Introduction
Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS is a powerful, open-source operating system designed for server environments. Whether you’re setting up a web server, database server, or a cloud infrastructure, this guide will walk you through the installation process step-by-step. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a fully functional Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS ready for deployment.
Preparing for Installation
Before diving into the installation, it’s crucial to prepare your hardware and software environment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A computer or server with at least 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended)
- 25GB of free disk space (50GB recommended for production environments)
- A USB flash drive with at least 4GB of storage
- An active internet connection for downloading updates during installation
Note
Ensure you back up any important data before proceeding with the installation, as the process may overwrite existing data on your hard drive.
Downloading Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS
The first step is to download the Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS ISO file. Follow these steps:
Visit the Official Ubuntu Website
Go to the Ubuntu Server download page.
Select the Correct Version
Choose Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS from the list of available versions.
Download the ISO File
Click the download button to save the ISO file to your computer.
Creating a Bootable USB Drive
Once you have the ISO file, the next step is to create a bootable USB drive. This will allow you to install Ubuntu Server on your machine.
Download a USB Imaging Tool
Use a tool like balenaEtcher or Rufus to create the bootable USB drive.
Write the ISO to the USB Drive
Open the tool, select the downloaded ISO file, choose your USB drive, and click ‘Flash’ to start the process.
Booting from USB and Starting Installation
With the bootable USB drive ready, it’s time to boot your server from it and start the installation process.
Insert the USB Drive
Plug the USB drive into the server or computer where you want to install Ubuntu Server.
Access the Boot Menu
Restart your server and press the appropriate key (usually F12, F2, or ESC) to access the boot menu.
Select the USB Drive
Choose the USB drive from the boot menu to start the Ubuntu Server installer.
Configuring Network and Storage
During the installation, you’ll be prompted to configure your network and storage settings. This is a critical step for ensuring your server is properly set up.
Network Configuration
Set up your network interface by selecting the appropriate network and entering the required details (e.g., IP address, gateway, DNS).
Storage Configuration
Choose how you want to partition your disk. You can opt for automatic partitioning or manually configure your storage layout.
Setting Up User Accounts and Security
After configuring your network and storage, you’ll need to set up user accounts and security settings.
Create a User Account
Enter your full name, username, and password. This account will have administrative privileges.
Set Up SSH Access
Enable SSH access if you plan to manage your server remotely. This is highly recommended for security and convenience.
Completing the Installation
Once all configurations are complete, the installer will finalize the setup and install Ubuntu Server on your machine.
Review Your Settings
Double-check all your settings before proceeding. Once confirmed, the installation will begin.
Wait for the Installation to Complete
The installation process may take several minutes. Once done, your server will reboot, and you’ll be prompted to log in.
Post-Installation Setup and Updates
After installation, it’s essential to perform some post-installation tasks to ensure your server is secure and up-to-date.
Update Your System
Run the following commands to update your system:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Install Additional Software
Depending on your server’s purpose, you may need to install additional software packages. For example, to install a web server, you can use:
sudo apt install apache2
By following this Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS Installation Guide: Step-by-Step Tutorial, you’ll have a fully functional server ready for your specific needs. Whether you’re hosting a website, managing a database, or setting up a cloud environment, Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS provides a robust and reliable platform.