Ubuntu server has many accolades to its name, and its popularity continues to touch the pinnacles of success, given its composition of containers and compatibility with the cloud. This simple, yet detailed guide, will cover everything a beginner needs to know about installing an Ubuntu server on their machine.
Read on to find out why the server is important, how you can use it, and much more.
What Is Ubuntu Server?
If you are a novice, and still new to the world of Linux, you would probably be wondering what the fuss is all about. Ubuntu Server is a server operating system (OS), which is developed and owned by Canonical.
Ubuntu Server is compatible with different architecture types, which means it can run seamlessly on the following:
- x86
- x86-64
- ARM v7
- ARM64
- POWER8, and
- IBM System z mainframes via LinuxONE
Ubuntu server has four main requirements and your system should meet the following criteria:
- RAM: 4GB memory
- CPU: 2GHz dual core processor
- Storage: Minimum 25GB disk space
- USB Drive: Minimum 4GB USB drive
Installing Ubuntu Server on Your Machine
To install Ubuntu Server, start by downloading and creating the installation media. You can then proceed to install Ubuntu Server on your server machine.
Step 1: Download the Installation Media
- As a first step, you need to visit the Ubuntu Server download page and select Option 2 – Manual Server Installation. The latest version is Ubuntu 20.04, which was released on April 23, 2020. This is a Long-Term Support (LTS) version, so accordingly, Linux will provide support and updates until April 2025.
- Download the corresponding ISO file which will be used create the installation media.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB
If your system has a DVD drive, you can burn the ISO file to disc. Alternatively, you can create a bootable USB drive for installing Ubuntu Server. This example uses Ubuntu desktop.
- Connect your USB storage to your PC
- On Ubuntu desktop, use the bottom left icon to open Show Applications menu
- In the search field, enter “startup” and select Startup Disk Creator
- If Startup Disk Creator doesn’t automatically find the ISO file in your Downloads folder, click Other to browse for it.
- Ensure the correct target drive is selected under Disk to use, then click Make Startup Disk, confirming when prompted.
That’s it; the bootable version of Ubuntu on a USB stick is now available for installation.
Step 3: Set the Boot Order
Within the BIOS menu, select which devices should be checked for a bootable OS. The options include internal hard disks, USB storage, and the CD/DVD-ROM drive (where available). Choose the device that matches how you set up the boot media above.
Most BIOS versions allow you to call up boot menus on start-up; you can use the following keys to pull it up, depending on the model you are using.
Manufacturer Name | Booting keys |
---|---|
ASUS | F8 or Esc |
Compaq | F9 or Esc |
eMachines | F12 |
HP | F9 or Esc |
Samsung | F2, F12 or Esc |
Acer | F12, F9 or Esc |
Dell | F12 |
Fujitsu | F12 |
Lenovo | F8, F10 or F12 |
Toshiba | F12 |
Insert the Ubuntu Server installation that you created. Switch on the computer and wait for it to boot from the USB drive.
Step 4: Choose Your Installation Version
Select Install Ubuntu Server option from the list of options. You can navigate through the options with the arrow keys. Press Enter to select the desired option.
Note: In case you have a NVIDIA graphics card installed on your system, you can select Install Ubuntu Server (safe graphics) option from this list instead.
Step 5: Select the Language
Select your preferred language; press Enter.
Step 6: Skip the Installer Update
If there is a new installer update available, the setup screen will show the option to use the old installer, or update to a new installer.
Select from the following options:
- Update to the new installer
- Continue without updating
Depending on what option you choose, the installer will take you to the next screen.
For the time being, for purposes of installation, let’s proceed with the second option, Continue without updating.
Step 7: Choose a Keyboard Layout
Select the preferred keyboard layout. Alternatively, you can also choose Identify your keyboard to select the keyboard automatically. Select Done, followed by Enter.
Step 8: Configuring Network Interfaces
To make the server installation a success, at least one network interface needs to be configured, to allow the server to communicate with other systems on the network.
If an Ethernet cable is connected to your Ubuntu Server device, select the eth option. For Wi-Fi connectivity, choose the interface with a DHCP IP address displayed. Note that by selecting this option you can also switch it to a static IP.
Select Done, followed by Enter.
Step 9: Configure Proxy Details to Connect to the Internet
In case you have proxy details, you can enter the details on this screen. If not, leave it blank.
Select Done, followed by Enter.
Step 10: Configure Ubuntu Archive Mirror
A default mirror is selected automatically for you. In case you don’t want to set a default address, you have the option of selecting an alternative.
Select Done, followed by Enter.
Step 11: Choose the Storage Configurations
On this screen, there are two options:
- Use an entire disk: Selecting this option will erase the entire hard disk and automatically partition the drive for you. Please make sure you don’t have any valuable information stored previously, as you won’t be able to retrieve this information once the partitions are created.
- Custom storage layout: This option is solely for intermediate and advanced users, and lets you set up partitions and choose one for installing Ubuntu Server. Avoid this if you are new to installing server operating systems.
Select Done, followed by Enter.
On the subsequent screen, there is a summary of changes which will be made to the system. Review the system configurations, and make changes, as necessary.
Select Done, followed by Enter.
On the next screen, the installer will show a pop-up which asks a final confirmation for beginning the installation process. If you are sure everything is as per requirements, select Continue, or No, as the case might be.
Step 12: Configure Your Profile
Once the installation is completed, the next screen will ask you for the following details:
- Your name
- Your server’s name
- Pick a username
- Choose a password
- Confirm your password
Be sure to give the Ubuntu Server a sensible name so you can easily find it on the network. Also, use a password that is both secure and memorable.
Select Done, followed by Enter.
Step 13: SSH Setup
Ubuntu gives you an option to securely access your server remotely by setting up OpenSSH server details. You have the option of importing an SSH identity key from GitHub or Launchpad, if you like.
If you don’t want to import a key, select Done, followed by Enter.
Step 14: Install Featured Server Snaps
There are some popular snaps, which can be installed on the server post installation. Each one has a description so you know what it is for.
Select the required snaps, followed by Done and Enter.
Step 15: Installation Complete
Ubuntu will finish installing the remaining aspects of the server. As soon as it’s done with the installation, select the Reboot option.
A word of caution: Remove the USB drive from the machine, before selecting the Reboot option. Otherwise, Ubuntu might start reinstalling everything as you power the machine up.
If you are not seeing anything besides the log screen, press enter a few times.
Step 16: Log Into Ubuntu Server
The system will ask for your login details and password. Enter the details set up in the previous step. If you are able to log in and are seeing the system information screen, you have successfully installed Ubuntu server 20.04 LTS on your machine.
Are You Ready to Install Ubuntu 20.04 on Your Machine?
The steps above are rather simple, and if you follow them to the tee, you too can install Ubuntu server on your machine, without a hitch. If you are a beginner, these steps should ease you into the process of handling Ubuntu installation and make your life easier, whenever you need to reinstall the new server version, as and when it’s available.