Installing Ubuntu Hardware Requirements

The hardware required to run Ubuntu depends on what kind of system you want to set up. A very minimal system that runs a textual (command line) interface and has very few software packages installed requires very different hardware from a system that runs a GUI, has many installed packages, and supports visual effects. Use the Alternate CD if you are installing Ubuntu on a system with less than 320 megabytes of RAM. If you want to run visual effects on the system, see gentoowiki.com/HARDWARE_Video_Card_Support_Under_XGL for a list of supported graphics cards.

A network connection is invaluable for keeping Ubuntu up-to-date. A sound card is nice to have for multimedia applications. If you are installing Ubuntu on old or minimal hardware and want to run a GUI, consider installing Xubuntu (www.xubuntu.org), as it provides a lightweight desktop and uses system resources more efficiently than Ubuntu does.

RAM (memory). An extremely minimal textual (command line) system requires 32 megabytes of RAM. A standard desktop system requires 320 megabytes, although you may be able to use less if you install Xubuntu. Installing Ubuntu from a live session requires 320 megabytes. Use the textual installer if the system has less than 320 megabytes of RAM. Linux makes good use of extra memory: The more memory a system has, the faster it runs. Adding memory is one of the most cost-effective ways you can speed up a Linux system.

CPU. Ubuntu Linux requires a minimum of a 200-megahertz Pentium-class processor or the equivalent AMD or other processor for textual mode and at least a 400-megahertz Pentium II processor or the equivalent for graphical mode.

Hard disk space. The amount of hard disk space Ubuntu requires depends on which edition of Ubuntu Linux you install, which packages you install, how many languages you install, and how much space you need for user data (your files). The operating system typically requires 2–8 gigabytes, although a minimal system can make due with much less space. Installing Ubuntu from a live session requires 4 gigabytes of space on a hard disk.

BIOS setup. Modern computers can be set to boot from a CD/DVD or hard disk. The BIOS determines the order in which the system tries to boot from each device. You may need to change this order: Make sure the BIOS is set up to try booting from the CD/DVD before it tries to boot from the hard disk.

CMOS. CMOS is the persistent memory that stores hardware configuration information. To change the BIOS setup, you need to edit the information stored in CMOS. When the system boots, it displays a brief message about how to enter System Setup or CMOS Setup mode. Usually you need to press Del or F2 while the system is booting. Press the key that is called for and move the cursor to the screen and line that deal with booting the system. Generally there is a list of three or four devices that the system tries to boot from; if the first attempt fails, the system tries the second device, and so on. Manipulate the list so that the CD/DVD is the first choice, save the list, and reboot.

Source of Information : A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux