Install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
Download Ubuntu, create a bootable USB, and install it on your dedicated machine.
Step 1 — Download Ubuntu
Open the Ubuntu download page
Go to: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop
Click "Download 24.04.x LTS"
Look for the green button. The file is approximately 5.7 GB — allow 10–30 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Save the ISO file
The downloaded file will be named: ubuntu-24.04.x-desktop-amd64.iso
Save it to your Desktop or Downloads folder.
Desktop — Full graphical interface, best for most users who will use the machine directly.
Server — Command-line only, best for a dedicated machine you access remotely via SSH.
We recommend Desktop for first-time users.
Step 2 — Create a Bootable USB Drive
Back up any files on the USB drive before proceeding. This process permanently deletes everything on it.
Download Rufus
Go to https://rufus.ie and download the latest version (free, no installation needed).
Insert your USB drive and open Rufus
Your USB drive appears in the Device field. Confirm it's the right drive.
Select the Ubuntu ISO
Click SELECT → find your ISO file → click Open.
Start writing
Leave all other settings at defaults → click START → when asked about ISOHybrid, select Write in ISO Image mode → click OK → wait ~10 minutes.
Done
When the status bar shows READY, click Close. Your USB is ready.
Download balenaEtcher
Go to https://etcher.balena.io — download the version for your Mac.
Open Etcher and select the ISO
Click Flash from file → select your Ubuntu ISO file.
Select your USB drive
Click Select target → choose your USB drive.
Flash!
Click Flash! — wait approximately 10 minutes. macOS may say the drive is unreadable after — click Ignore (this is normal for Linux drives).
Open GNOME Disks
Search for "Disks" in your application menu and open it.
Select your USB drive
Insert your USB drive — it appears in the left sidebar. Be careful not to select your system drive.
Restore Disk Image
Click the menu icon (⋮) → Restore Disk Image… → select your Ubuntu ISO → click Start Restoring…
Wait and eject
Wait for the progress bar to complete, then click Eject.
Step 3 — Install Ubuntu
Boot from USB — Find Your Key
| Brand | Boot Key | Brand | Boot Key |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most PCs | F12 | ASUS | F8 / Esc |
| Dell | F12 | Acer | F12 |
| HP | F9 / F12 | MSI | F11 |
| Lenovo | F12 / F11 | Beelink / Mini PCs | F7 / Del |
| Gigabyte | F12 | Apple Mac | Hold Option ⌥ |
Power off and try again — press the boot key repeatedly as soon as you see the manufacturer logo. You have about 2 seconds after powering on.
Follow the Installer
Language
Select your language → click Next
Keyboard & Accessibility
Configure if needed, or click Next through both screens
Internet Connection
Connect to WiFi or use ethernet → click Next
Install Ubuntu
Click Install Ubuntu → select Interactive installation → Default selection
Optimise Your Computer
Check ✅ Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi
Check ✅ Download additional media format support
Disk Setup
Select Erase disk and install Ubuntu → click Next
All existing data on the target drive will be permanently deleted.
Create Your Account
Set your name, computer name (e.g. oneaimind-server), username, and a strong password. Select "Require my password to log in".
Timezone & Install
Click your location on the map → review summary → click Install → wait 10–20 minutes → Restart Now → remove USB when prompted.
Log in with your username and password. Skip Ubuntu Pro when prompted — it's not needed for OneAiMind.