A Beginner’s Guide to Installing and Configuring Ubuntu Server
Welcome to our beginner’s guide on how to setup Ubuntu Server 16.04! If you’re new to Linux server administration, don’t worry – we’ll guide you through the process step by step. This tutorial will cover everything you need to know to get your Ubuntu Server up and running.
What is Ubuntu Server?
Ubuntu Server is an open-source operating system that is widely used in web servers, cloud computing, and data centers. It’s a powerful and reliable operating system that’s perfect for handling server applications and tasks. Whether you’re setting up a web server, file server, or application server, Ubuntu Server is a great choice.
Why Choose Ubuntu Server?
There are several reasons why Ubuntu Server is a popular choice among system administrators. First and foremost, it’s free to use and open source. This means you can download and install it without any license fees. Additionally, Ubuntu Server is highly customizable and has a large community of developers and users who contribute to its development and improvement.
Ubuntu Server also has a wide range of software packages available through its package manager, making it easy to install and configure additional software. And because Linux is known for being secure and stable, you can trust that your server will be reliable and safe from security threats.
Preparing for Installation
Before we begin the installation process, there are a few things you should do to prepare. First, make sure your server meets the minimum system requirements for Ubuntu Server 16.04. You’ll need at least 512MB of RAM and 2GB of disk space.
You’ll also need to download the Ubuntu Server 16.04 ISO file from the official website. Once you’ve downloaded the ISO file, you can create a bootable USB drive using software like Rufus or Etcher.
Once you have your bootable USB drive, you’re ready to begin the installation process!
Installing Ubuntu Server 16.04
Step 1: Boot from USB
To begin the installation process, insert your bootable USB drive into your server and power it on. You may need to change your BIOS settings to ensure that your server boots from the USB drive.
Step 2: Choose Language and Keyboard Layout
Once your server has booted from the USB drive, you’ll be presented with the Ubuntu Server installation wizard. Choose your language and keyboard layout and click “Continue.”
Step 3: Configure Network Settings
The next step is to configure your network settings. If you’re installing Ubuntu Server on a virtual machine, you can choose to configure your network settings automatically. If you’re installing Ubuntu Server on a physical machine, you’ll need to manually configure your network settings.
You’ll need to provide your server with a hostname, choose a domain name, and set up your IP address, netmask, gateway, and DNS servers.
Step 4: Partition Your Disk
Once your network settings are configured, you’ll need to partition your disk. You can choose to use the entire disk or manually partition it.
If you’re not sure how to partition your disk, we recommend choosing the “Guided – use entire disk” option. This will automatically partition your disk for you.
Step 5: Create User and Password
The next step is to create a user and password for your Ubuntu Server. This user will have administrative privileges, so make sure you choose a strong password.
Step 6: Install Software
After you’ve configured your disk and user account, you’ll be prompted to choose which software packages to install. If you’re not sure what to choose, we recommend selecting “OpenSSH server” and “standard system utilities.”
Step 7: Reboot Your Server
Once the installation process is complete, you’ll need to reboot your server. Remove the USB drive and restart your server.
Configuring Your Ubuntu Server
Updating Your Server
The first thing you should do after installing Ubuntu Server is update your software packages. To do this, run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get update |
Updates the package list |
sudo apt-get upgrade |
Upgrades all installed packages |
Installing Additional Software
Ubuntu Server has thousands of software packages available through its package manager. To install additional software, use the apt-get command. For example, to install Apache web server, run the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt-get install apache2 |
Installs Apache web server |
Setting Up Firewall
By default, Ubuntu Server doesn’t have a firewall enabled. To set up a firewall, you can use the ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall) tool.
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo ufw enable |
Enables firewall |
sudo ufw allow ssh |
Allows SSH connections |
Setting Up SSH
SSH (Secure Shell) is a secure way to connect to your Ubuntu Server remotely. Ubuntu Server comes with SSH pre-installed, but you may need to configure it to allow remote connections.
To configure SSH, edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file and make the following changes:
Uncomment the line that reads “Port 22” and change the port number if desired.
Change the line that reads “PermitRootLogin without-password” to “PermitRootLogin no” to prevent root logins.
Restart the SSH service by running “sudo service ssh restart.”
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ubuntu Server 16.04
Advantages
Ubuntu Server has several advantages that make it a popular choice for server administrators. First and foremost, it’s free and open source, which means you can download and use it without any licensing fees.
Ubuntu Server is also highly customizable and has a large community of developers and users who contribute to its development and improvement.
Additionally, Ubuntu Server has a wide range of software packages available through its package manager, making it easy to install and configure additional software. And because Linux is known for being secure and stable, you can trust that your server will be reliable and safe from security threats.
Disadvantages
While Ubuntu Server has many advantages, there are also a few disadvantages to consider. First and foremost, it’s not as beginner-friendly as other server operating systems like Windows Server.
Additionally, Ubuntu Server can be more difficult to configure and set up than other operating systems. This can be a barrier to entry for new system administrators who are not familiar with Linux.
Finally, Ubuntu Server may not be compatible with certain software applications or hardware configurations. It’s important to research compatibility before choosing Ubuntu Server for your server.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for Ubuntu Server 16.04?
Ubuntu Server 16.04 requires at least 512MB of RAM and 2GB of disk space.
Can I install Ubuntu Server on a virtual machine?
Yes, Ubuntu Server can be installed on a virtual machine.
How do I update my Ubuntu Server software packages?
To update your software packages, run the following command:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
Can I install additional software packages on Ubuntu Server?
Yes, Ubuntu Server has thousands of software packages available through its package manager. To install additional software, use the apt-get command.
What is the default root password for Ubuntu Server?
Ubuntu Server does not have a default root password. Instead, you should create a user account with administrative privileges.
How do I set up a firewall on Ubuntu Server?
To set up a firewall, use the ufw (Uncomplicated Firewall) tool. Run the following commands:
sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw allow ssh
How do I configure SSH on Ubuntu Server?
To configure SSH, edit the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file and make the necessary changes. Restart the SSH service by running “sudo service ssh restart.”
How can I back up my Ubuntu Server?
There are several ways to back up your Ubuntu Server, including using a backup program like Bacula or creating a disk image using Clonezilla.
How do I create a new user on Ubuntu Server?
To create a new user, run the following command:
sudo adduser username
How do I give a user administrative privileges on Ubuntu Server?
To give a user administrative privileges, add them to the sudo group by running the following command:
sudo usermod -aG sudo username
How do I delete a user on Ubuntu Server?
To delete a user, run the following command:
sudo deluser username
How can I check my Ubuntu Server’s IP address?
To check your Ubuntu Server’s IP address, run the following command:
ip addr show
How can I see what software packages are installed on my Ubuntu Server?
To see what software packages are installed, run the following command:
dpkg –get-selections
How do I restart my Ubuntu Server?
To restart your Ubuntu Server, run the following command:
sudo shutdown -r now
Conclusion
Congratulations – you’ve successfully learned how to setup Ubuntu Server 16.04! We hope this tutorial has been helpful in guiding you through the installation and configuration process. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Ubuntu Server community if you have any questions or concerns.
To summarize, Ubuntu Server is a powerful and reliable operating system that’s perfect for handling server applications and tasks. It’s free and open source, highly customizable, and has a large community of developers and users who contribute to its development and improvement.
If you’re new to Linux server administration, don’t be intimidated – Ubuntu Server is a great choice for beginners. With the right preparation and guidance, you’ll be up and running in no time.
Disclaimer
This tutorial is for educational and informational purposes only. We take no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the tutorial or for any damages or losses that may result from following this tutorial. Use this tutorial at your own risk.