Zero‑Barrier Guide: Step‑by‑Step VMware Installation of Ubuntu for Beginners

Download Image

Download the Ubuntu ISO from a university open‑source mirror, e.g., https://mirrors.cernet.edu.cn/site/TUNA.NEO. The ISO is stored under ubuntu-cdimage/ubuntu/releases/{version}/release.

VMware Install Ubuntu

Create a new virtual machine.

Select the downloaded ISO, e.g., ubuntu-24.04.2-desktop-amd64.iso.

Enter a computer name and password; the credentials must be entered again later during the Ubuntu installer.

Choose a virtual machine name and storage location based on available disk space.

Allocate the maximum virtual disk size; the VM initially occupies little space and expands as needed.

Finish the basic configuration and start the installation.

Wait for the VM to boot.

In the installer, select Simplified Chinese to change the UI language.

Choose “Interactive installation” to manually set up the system.

Select the “Extended Collection” to pre‑install office tools, browsers and multimedia support.

Enable all optional drivers and codecs (graphics, Wi‑Fi, MP3, MP4) that are not included by default.

Use the default single partition; later you can separate /home for easier re‑installation.

Enter the computer name, user name and password; this password also serves for root access.

Review the settings and start the installation; you can return to modify any step.

After installation completes, click “Restart Now” to reboot into Ubuntu.

Ubuntu Usage

At the login screen, select the user and enter the password set during installation.

The first login shows a system update overview.

Click the lower‑left menu button to access all applications.

Open the orange‑iconed app store to browse and install additional software.