Ubuntu Installation

Ubuntu Version Consideration

Ubuntu 16.04 18.04 20.04
ROS Kinetic Melodic Noetic
Most of the simulation packages, such as hector quadrotor, ur, etc. are supported by Kinetic ROS only. So here I choose ubuntu 16.04. Don't choose install the latest version since not a lot of packages are updated.

GPU Support

Don't have to worry about the GPU driver. After installing Ubuntu, you can go to Software & Updates and choose to install Additional Drivers from NVIDIA Corporation. Lastly, you can check the connection via nvidia-smi and switch from integrated graphics to cuda prime-select query|intel|nvidia.

One of the disadvantages of using ubuntu over windows is that, you cannot use intel integrated graphics and nvidia at the same time.

One of the advantages of using ubuntu over windows is that, you can use one internal and one external gpu (thunderbolt usb-c) at the same time. But windows can't.

Steps

  1. Make a partition in your laptop to install Ubuntu.
    • Windows+R to open Run window. Type Diskmgmt.msc and Enter.
    • Select the blue block and right click to choose Shrink Volume or Extend Volume.
    • Leave the black block behind.
  2. Prepare a live USB of Ubuntu.
    • Choose the right image of Ubuntu. Desktop image → 64-bit PC (AMD64)desktop image to download.
    • Download rufus, a software to flash the Ubuntu image into the USB.
    • Click rufus, select Device, press SELECT to choose file for Boot selection. Press START. Eject.
  3. Disable fast startup in Windows
    • Start → Type Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Power Options → Choose what the power button does → Uncheck Turn on fast start-up
  4. Disable secureboot in Windows
    • Start → Type Change advanced start-up options → Press Restart now
    • You can see Blue Screen. Press Troubleshoot → Advanced options → UEFI Firmware settings → Restart → See the ugly interface.
    • Go to Boot or Security Tab (sometimes Security Boot is not in Boot but Security) → Disable Secure Boot → F10 to exit saving changes
  5. Installing Ubuntu along with Windows
    • Boot from USB by plugging in USB, shutdown. Turn on again with pressing F12 → Boot Manager → Linpus lite (Generic Flash Disk) → Install Ubuntu → Purple screen with ubuntu logo → Typical Install process → English, Wifi, Updates, Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager OR Something else (to choose partition). Lastly, restart and choose ubuntu to reboot. You can choose windows if you want.

References

  1. Gazebo ROS packages
  2. How To Install Ubuntu Alongside Windows 10
  3. Ubuntu 16.04.7 LTS (Xenial Xerus)
  4. Rufus Create bootable USB drives the easy way
  5. How to Disable UEFI Secure Boot in Windows 8 & 8.1 (also 10)
  6. How to Install Ubuntu Alongside With Windows 10 or 8 in Dual-Boot