📚 Lesson 2.1: Installing Ubuntu/Linux or Using Docker

📚 Lesson 2.1: Installing Ubuntu/Linux or Using Docker

Creating your own AI system requires a solid foundation — a reliable environment where you can run Python code, manage files, install packages, and launch services like your LLM backend or vector database. You have two main options:

  • 🐧 Install Ubuntu/Linux as your operating system (or in a virtual machine).

  • 🐳 Use Docker to create isolated, ready-to-use environments on any OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

Let’s explore both and help you choose the best option for your needs.

🐧 Option 1: Installing Ubuntu/Linux

🌍 What Is Ubuntu/Linux?

Linux is an open-source operating system. It powers most servers, supercomputers, and many AI development environments. Ubuntu is one of the most beginner-friendly versions of Linux.

Using Ubuntu gives you full control over your development environment and is ideal if you want to run your AI system directly on your machine or on a cloud server.

✅ Benefits of Using Ubuntu/Linux

  • Runs faster than Windows on older machines.

  • Easy access to powerful tools (like Python, pip, CUDA, Git).

  • More compatible with AI frameworks (like PyTorch, Hugging Face).

  • No background bloatware — lightweight and efficient.

  • Free and open-source forever.

🔧 How to Install Ubuntu (3 Options)

Option A: Dual Boot with Windows

  • Keep Windows and install Ubuntu alongside it.

  • Choose which system to boot at startup.

Option B: Virtual Machine

  • Use tools like VirtualBox to run Ubuntu inside Windows or macOS.

  • Good for testing, but slower than real installation.

Option C: Install on a Cloud Server

  • Use services like Google Colab, RunPod, or Vast.ai.

  • Ideal if your personal computer isn’t powerful enough.

🔨 What You’ll Do After Installing Ubuntu

  1. Install Python 3, pip, and git.

  2. Set up a code editor (like VS Code or terminal-based tools).

  3. Install dependencies for your AI system (LLMs, databases, etc.).

  4. Start building and running your projects directly.

🐳 Option 2: Using Docker (Works on Windows, macOS, or Linux)

🧱 What Is Docker?

Docker is like a “box” that contains everything your project needs — Python, models, libraries, databases, etc. You run that box (called a container) on any system.

With Docker, you don’t need to install everything manually on your computer — you just pull a prebuilt environment and run it.

✅ Benefits of Using Docker

  • Works the same across any operating system.

  • No need to install Python, dependencies, etc., on your main system.

  • Easy to update, reuse, and share your environment.

  • Great for collaboration and deployment.

🔧 How to Set Up Docker

  1. Install Docker Desktop

  2. Run Your First Container

    docker run hello-world

  3. Pull AI Docker Images (later in course)
    Example:

    docker pull ollama/ollama

  4. Build Your Own Dockerfile
    Later, we’ll create a custom Dockerfile with your AI system’s backend and frontend, so everything runs smoothly in one command.

🛠 Docker vs Ubuntu: Which Should You Choose?

Criteria Ubuntu/Linux Docker
🔰 Beginner-friendliness Moderate Easier on Windows/macOS
🧪 Development flexibility Full control Controlled environment
🧱 Setup time Takes longer Fast once Docker is installed
💻 Best for… Power users, servers Any user, team projects
🧳 Portability Harder to move setups Very easy (just move the container)
💰 Cost Free Free

🧠 Key Takeaways

  • If you want maximum control and you’re comfortable using the terminal, go with Ubuntu/Linux.

  • If you prefer a quick, portable setup and want to avoid deep system changes, use Docker.

In this course, we’ll show you how to use both, and you can choose the one that works best for your workflow and machine.

🚀 What’s Next?

In the next lessons, you’ll learn how to:

  • Install Python, pip, and all dependencies.

  • Choose and run your own LLM (like DeepSeek or Mistral).

  • Prepare your environment for building and running your chatbot system.

Watch these videos

  • A step-by-step guide for installing Ubuntu?

  • A prebuilt Docker image for fast setup?

  •  

 

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