The only way you will learn how to use Linux is to use it. In this assignment you will create a working Linux system to use for the remainder of the class. You have a few options and this lab could take some time if you have never done something like this before.

• Research how to create a bootable flash drive of Linux Ubuntu from your current operating system. If you are using Windows, you probably want to use Rufus. You can also find Youtube videos of the process. Note: If you would rather use another distro of Linux that is fine, but you are responsible for the extra work needed to find the equivalent task in your distro for the rest of the class.
• Create a bootable flash drive for Ubuntu. Note: If you already have a working Linux box jump to the submission criteria at the bottom.
• You now have the 4 options listed below. I list them in order of my preference:
  1. Dual Boot - Create a bootable partition on your computer that allows you to boot to either Linux or your old OS. Use the Linux Boot Loader (Grub) because we will be working with it. Grub should default to the bootloader if you load Linux after your first OS.
  2. Clean Linux Boot - If you have a machine you can do this with, replace the old system with Linux. You can use an older computer for this, but if you do, use Ubuntu 16 if the computer is over 5 years old and Ubuntu 14 if the computer is over 10 years old.
  3. Virtual Box - This option is not going to let you do everything in the class but you can combine it with the next option. Use a Virtual Machine -- VMware costs money but Oracle VMBox is free. Using your current OS as the host, create a client VM of Ubuntu Linux. (Note: This is an advanced option. Do not try this if you are not a computer wizard -- but if you need help there are YouTube videos for this).
  4. Stick Boot - As a last resort you can boot to the flash drive you created in the first step. This will not alter your old OS but this will also not give you a complete picture of how Linux functions.
• Once you have a working operating system, download some basic software to make your system useable. Now Ubuntu comes with the default browser (Firefox) and a default office suite (LibreOffice) -- these are great. So download GIMP for image manipulation, activate Thunderbird for an email client (make sure to open it and take a screenshot to show me it is working) and load GnuCash so you can do your checkbook. You could also load some games if you want. Use the orange suitcase icon with the letter A on it from the GUI.