R is one the best open source programming language used for statistical computing and data analytics.

You can directly install R from its website

Step 1 :Find what distribution of Ubuntu you are using

go to System-Settings -> Details

I am using ubuntu 16.04 LTS ( Xenial )

Step 2 : Got to https://cran.r-project.org/

Click on Download R for Linux

Step 3 : Click on ubuntu

Step 4 : Choose your .deb file ( I have choosen r-base-core_3.2.5-1xenial_amd64.deb )

Step 5 : Choose open with option and click ok

Step 6 : Click install button. This will install R in your machine

Step 7 : Open a terminal and type R

I am also started diving into R.

Happy learning R !!!!