Xubuntu OS – Lightweight Linux with Step-by-Step Installation Guide

🌟 What is Xubuntu?

Xubuntu is a fast, lightweight, and easy-to-use Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, using the Xfce desktop environment. It’s designed for systems with low resources, making it ideal for older computers or users who prefer a clean, minimal interface.

Despite being lightweight, Xubuntu is powerful and includes all essential software for productivity, media, and internet browsing.

✅ Minimum System Requirements

Xubuntu is known for running smoothly even on modest hardware. Here are the basic requirements:

• CPU: 1 GHz or faster

• RAM: 512 MB (1 GB or more recommended)

• Disk Space: 8 GB minimum (20 GB recommended)

• Display: 800×600 resolution

• USB port or DVD drive for installation

📥 How to Install Xubuntu (Step-by-Step)

🔽 Step 1: Download the Xubuntu ISO

1. Go to the official Xubuntu website:
   👉 https://xubuntu.org/download

2. Choose the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version.

3. Download the .iso file from a nearby mirror.

💾 Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

You’ll need a USB drive (at least 4 GB). Use a tool based on your OS:

For Windows:

• Use Rufus:

  • Download from https://rufus.ie

  • Select your USB drive and Xubuntu ISO

  • Click Start and wait for it to complete

For macOS/Linux:

• Use balenaEtcher:

  • Download from https://balena.io/etcher

  • Open the app, select the ISO and USB, and click Flash

🚀 Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive

1. Insert the USB into your PC and restart it.

2. Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (F2, F12, Del, or Esc at startup).

3. Set the USB as the first boot device.

4. Save and exit — your system should boot into Xubuntu.

🖥️ Step 4: Try or Install Xubuntu

Once booted, you’ll see two options:

• Try Xubuntu: Run it without installing (to test compatibility)

• Install Xubuntu: Begin full installation

It's a good idea to try first, especially on older hardware.

⚙️ Step 5: Start the Installer

1. Click Install Xubuntu on the desktop.

2. Select your language and click Continue.

3. Choose whether to:

   • Download updates during install

   • Install third-party media and Wi-Fi drivers

💽 Step 6: Choose Installation Type

You will see installation options:

• Erase disk and install Xubuntu – clean installation

• Install alongside another OS – for dual boot setups

• Manual partitioning – for custom installations

Select the appropriate option and continue.

🌍 Step 7: Time Zone and Keyboard

• Select your time zone on the map

• Choose the keyboard layout (usually auto-detected)

👤 Step 8: Set Up User Account

Enter your information:

• Your name

• Computer name (hostname)

• Username

• Password (and confirm it)

• Choose whether to require a password at login

🔧 Step 9: Install the System

• The installer will begin copying files and setting up the OS

• Wait patiently (takes about 10–20 minutes depending on your system)

When done, click Restart Now
Remove your USB drive when prompted.

🛠️ Post-Installation Tasks

1. Update your system

   • Open the terminal or Software Updater

   • Run:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
     

2. Install additional software

   • Open the Software Center

   • Search and install tools like VLC, GIMP, LibreOffice, etc.

3. Customize your desktop

   • Right-click desktop → Desktop Settings

   • Change wallpaper, icons, and layout

4. Enable backups

   • Install tools like Timeshift or Deja Dup

🎯 Why Choose Xubuntu?

• Super light on system resources

• Runs fast on old and new PCs

• Clean and distraction-free interface

• Full Ubuntu support and repositories

• Easy to use and stable

📌 Final Thoughts

Xubuntu is an excellent choice for anyone looking to breathe new life into an old computer or just wants a simple, fast Linux desktop. Its speed, reliability, and user-friendliness make it suitable for daily use, development, browsing, and education.