Linux/Ubuntu laptop setup/install -- Steps for complete installation needed

[MR ZenWiz]

On Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 10:55 AM bruce <badouglas at gmail.com> wrote:
>
:
>
> But regarding the setting up of the partitions/vols etc.. I'd like to
> get input from the list, instead of "just giving it a go"!!
>
This would still be the first step - do a straightforward standard
installation with no Internet connectivity. The USB install can handle
this, although, once you have such a connection, it would be wise to
update and install any additional options you choose. (Keyword: choose
- it's your choice.)

> I'm looking to have a process/setup that would be more along the lines
> of what a dev dept would have for a software operation, or dev shop.
>
> Long ago, used to do this mess with the sysAdmin/devops guys, but i've
> been out of the process for too long.
>
I strongly suspect that, given this last part, you'll pick it up easily.

I also recommend the following, assuming you don't need the Windows
that may (almost certainly) come on the laptop:

1) Install from the USB live stick and wipe out the entire disk.
Ubuntu 24.04 will take care of your UEFI/BIOS depending on its
settings, though you can specifically select UEFI install IIRC.

2) For simplicity, you can let the installer do the SSD partitioning.
I would do the HDD add-on as a separate activity after installation.
If you can and/or must partition the HDD at the same time, select it
to be your /home drive and directory at this time. Use the whole disk
unless you really need to partition it as you choose.

3) Connect to the Internet (internal or USB connector, be it WiFi or
Ethernet adapter). I strongly suspect any new laptop today will come
with a built-in WiFi; if not, get something that provides this. If it
has WiFi but no Ethernet port, and you feel you must have Ethernet,
buy an adapter so you'll have it when you need it. Once  connected,
run an update and upgrade, and also install any other software you
choose to add-on.

4) If you have not set up the HDD yet, do so now with gparted (it
comes with the installation IRRC; if not, install it).

5) If you set up the HDD as your /home after installation, be sure to
copy your /home dir (from the SSD) onto the HDD BEFORE the next steps,
and set the ownership permissions properly. Then edit the /etc/fstab
to show the new /home and reboot. If you do this, your /home on the
SSD will be inaccessible, but the /home on your HDD will be used
instead (hence the need to copy SSD-2-HDD before the reboot).

In case I didn't mention it, it's all your choice. One of the many
benefits of Linux distros.

My $.02 FWIW - HTH.

MRZ