Install Ubuntu on a server

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• A server or computer for installation
• A USB drive (at least 4GB) or an ISO-compatible installation method
• A stable internet connection (optional but recommended)
• Ubuntu Server ISO (download from Ubuntu Official Website)
• Software to create a bootable USB (e.g., Rufus, Balena Etcher, or dd command in Linux)

Step 1: Prepare the Installation Media

1. Download the latest Ubuntu Server ISO.
2. Use Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher (Linux/macOS/Windows) to create a bootable USB:
   • Select your USB drive
   • Choose the downloaded Ubuntu Server ISO
   • Start the flashing process
3. If using Linux, you can use the dd command:

Replace /dev/sdX with your actual USB device.

Step 2: Boot from USB

1. Insert the bootable USB into the server.
2. Restart the server and enter the BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during boot).
3. Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
4. Save and exit BIOS/UEFI, then reboot.

Step 3: Start Ubuntu Installation

1. When the Ubuntu Server installer loads, select your preferred language.
2. Choose Install Ubuntu Server.
3. Select your keyboard layout.
4. Configure network settings (DHCP is default, or set static IP manually).
5. Choose a mirror for Ubuntu package updates (or keep the default).
6. Configure storage:
   • Use entire disk (recommended for fresh install)
   • Set up LVM (Logical Volume Manager) if needed
   • Manual partitioning for custom layouts

Step 4: User and System Setup

1. Create a user account:
   • Enter a username and password
   • Set hostname (server name)
2. Choose whether to install OpenSSH server (recommended for remote access).
3. Select additional packages if required (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, etc.).

Step 5: Complete Installation

1. Confirm installation settings and begin installation.
2. Wait for the installation process to complete.
3. Once done, remove the USB drive and reboot the server.

Step 6: Post-Installation Steps

1. Log in with the user credentials you created.
2. Update packages:

(Optional) Install essential tools:

If OpenSSH was not installed, install it now:

Set up a firewall (UFW recommended):

Check your server’s IP address:

(Optional) Enable automatic security updates:

Conclusion

Your Ubuntu server is now installed and ready for configuration. You can now install additional services or software as needed, such as a web server, database, or cloud applications. For further customization, refer to the official Ubuntu Server Guide.