If you've installed Ubuntu in the past, you might notice that, unlike its predecessors up to 12.04, Ubuntu 13.04 does not fit on one CD. From 12.10 onward, developers also improved the installer, which now provides full encryption and the Logical Volume Manager (LVM). Other than these updates, not much has changed with the Ubuntu installation process.
Ubuntu 13.04 can be installed on your computer or virtual machine several ways. Although Ubuntu is geared toward novice Linux users, installing the system is different from a Windows installation, so I'll explain your options and walk you through the steps.
If you're running Ubuntu 12.10, you can update to version 13.04 directly with update-manager through the Software Center. However, if you're upgrading from a version of Ubuntu earlier than 12.10, you will have to update to 12.10 first and then to 13.04. If you decide to go with a clean install, try the Live version first to test the programs and get used to the Unity desktop, then you can load the distribution via the integrated installer on your computer. Regardless of what you decide, back up all your important files first so nothing gets lost in the process.
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