To manually setup a network interface instead of using DHCP:
Assumes Ubuntu, wired ethernet and using GUI.
System > Preferences > Network Connections > Click on interface listed such as eth0 > Edit > IPv4 Settings tab
Next to Method click on and select Manual > Add > Enter Address, Netmask and Gateway then DNS servers. Use your router, ISP DNS servers or Googles DNS 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 which I find are more reliable and faster than my ISPs. Just click on the box under each to start entering Address, Netmask and Gateway.
Gateway will usually be your router. Netmask is usually 255.255.255.0.
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