1.2 Linux Installation

Installing a Linux server is the first step in building infrastructure. Unlike desktop installations, server installs focus on stability, security, and minimal resource usage (no GUI).

Preparation

Before starting, you need the installation media (ISO): Before starting, you need the installation media (ISO):

Download Ubuntu Server

Download Rocky Linux

You will typically flash this ISO to a USB drive using tools like Rufus, BalenaEtcher, or dd on Linux/Mac.

Installing Ubuntu Server

1. Boot from Media: Select “Install Ubuntu Server” in GRUB.
2. Language & Keyboard: Select your preferences (English is standard for servers).
3. Network Connections: The installer will attempt DHCP. For servers, you often want a Static IP (we will cover this in Module 5, but you can set it here).
4. Storage Configuration:
   • Use an entire disk: Easiest.
   • Set up LVM: Recommended for flexibility (resizing volumes later).
5. Profile Setup: Create the default user.
   • Important: Ubuntu does not enable the root account password by default. The created user is added to sudoers.

     Caution

     Ubuntu disables the root password by default for security.
6. SSH Setup: Check “Install OpenSSH server”. Do not skip this.
7. Snap Install: You can likely skip pre-installing snaps unless you specifically need them (e.g., Docker, Nextcloud).
8. Reboot: Remove the media when prompted.

Installing Rocky Linux (RHEL Clone)

1. Boot: Select “Install Rocky Linux 9”.
2. Anaconda Installer: The RHEL installer acts as a “hub”. You must clear warnings on each section.
3. Installation Destination:
   • Select the disk.
   • Choose “Automatic” or “Custom” storage configuration.

   • Note

     RHEL defaults to XFS filesystem.
4. Network & Hostname:

   • Tip

     Turn ON the network interface (it is often OFF by default!).
   • Set the hostname (e.g., server01.example.com).
5. User Settings:
   • Root Password: Set a strong root password. You can “Allow root SSH login with password” (not recommended for production) or “Lock root account”.
   • User Creation: Create a regular admin user and tick “Make this user administrator” (adds to wheel group).
6. Software Selection: choose “Minimal Install” for servers. Avoid “Server with GUI” unless strictly necessary.