In brief:

* on a Linux PC fetch the ubuntu 12.04 arm server image:

* prepare your sd card, for <device name> use the name of your sd card (not a partition) sudo sh -c 'zcat ubuntu-12.04-preinstalled-server-armhf+omap4.img.gz >/dev/<device name>;sync'}}

* remove the SD card from your PC, insert it into the pandaboard and hook up a serial cable (or a USB to serial cable).

Make sure you configure it properly (115200 8N1) and use the proper line (in my case /dev/ttyUSB0, but this depends on your actual hardware).

With cu and ttyUSB0 the command line reads:

If cu claims the line is busy you might try doing this:

* power the board; your panda will now boot; and start resizing the partition, after that the board will reboot.

* you will now get into the ubuntu installation dialog. I've tested with English, but feel free to try other languages.