Flash a computer with Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop

Before you start

Use this guide for an Intel/AMD computer assigned Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop for NXT Wash. Jetsons, tunnel controllers, card readers and network equipment use separate procedures.

Installation erases the selected disk, including the previous operating system and data. Back up required files and recovery information first. Identify the computer by site, intended role and serial number.

Have power, a display, keyboard/mouse, a separate internet-connected computer and a 12 GB or larger USB drive available. Writing the installer also erases the USB drive. The target computer can remain offline during installation.

1. Download Ubuntu

Download the Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop AMD64 ISO from the official release directory. Use the point release selected for the NXT Wash installation and record its filename.

Compare the ISO's SHA-256 hash with its entry in SHA256SUMS. On Windows, replace the example path with the downloaded filename:

Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 -LiteralPath "C:\path\to\ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso"

2. Create the installer USB

Use balenaEtcher on Windows/macOS/Linux or Startup Disk Creator on Ubuntu.

1. Insert the installer USB.
2. Select the downloaded ISO and the target USB drive. Verify the drive's identity and capacity.
3. Choose Flash in Etcher or Make Startup Disk in Startup Disk Creator.
4. Wait for writing and verification to finish before removing the USB.

3. Boot from USB

1. Insert the USB into the target computer and start or restart it.
2. Open the computer's boot menu and select the USB. Use the manufacturer's startup prompt for the correct key.
3. Choose Try or Install Ubuntu. If the installer has display problems, try Ubuntu (safe graphics).
4. Open Install Ubuntu if it does not start automatically.

If the internal drive is missing or the USB will not boot, record the message for White Water IT. Firmware and storage changes depend on the computer model.

4. Choose the installation options

After the language screen:

1. Accessibility: click Next.
2. Keyboard layout: click Next.
3. Network: continue without connecting; this is faster.
4. Choose Install Ubuntu.
5. Choose Interactive installation.
6. Choose Default selection.
7. Check Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware.
8. Choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu. Verify the selected drive before confirming.

Select the third-party option even when installing offline. Check for any missing drivers after installation and network connection.

5. Set the computer name and login

• Set the hostname to identify the site/device.
• Set the Ubuntu username to nxtwash; middleware scripts use /home/nxtwash.
• Use the agreed password convention and record the exact credentials in White Water's protected credential record.
• Select the site's time zone. Screen order can vary between installer revisions.

6. Finish and verify

1. Review the installation summary and start installation.
2. Choose Restart Now when complete. Remove the USB when prompted.
3. Verify that the computer boots from its internal drive and that the recorded login works.
4. Connect it to the intended network. Check display, keyboard/mouse and connectivity; check touchscreen picture and touch separately.
5. Resolve or record missing drivers and hardware issues before NXT Wash setup.

7. Handoff and NXT Wash setup

Record the site/device, role, hostname, Ubuntu version, installation date, credential-record location and verification results.

Continue with the middleware installer or the assigned POS/Loader configuration. OS installation does not complete NXT Wash role/backend setup. Use Chrome or Chromium for NXT Wash; Firefox is not approved.

Illustrated references

• Ubuntu Desktop installation PDF: USB and boot, pages 4–6; installer screens, pages 7–13; completion, pages 18–19. Use the installation choices above.
• Canonical installation guide.