Introduction
Welcome, fellow tech enthusiasts! In today’s digital world, servers play an integral part in virtually every aspect of our lives. From hosting websites to running apps, servers have become an indispensable tool for individuals and organizations. However, setting up a server from scratch can be intimidating, especially for beginners. That’s where this guide comes in. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Debian 9 on a server. We’ll cover everything from the basics to advanced configurations, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, you’ll find this guide useful. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
What is Debian 9?
Before we proceed, let’s first understand what we mean by Debian 9. Debian is a popular free and open-source operating system (OS) that is widely used in the server and desktop environments. Debian 9, codename Stretch, is the latest version of the Debian OS, which was released on June 17, 2017. It comes with several new features and improvements, including support for Secure Boot, improved UEFI support, and new software packages. Now that we know what Debian 9 is let’s move on to the installation process.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the installation process, let’s look at the hardware and software requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Hardware |
Software |
|---|---|
Server hardware |
Debian 9 ISO file |
Minimum 512MB of RAM |
USB drive or DVD burner to create bootable media |
Minimum 1GHz processor |
A computer or device to create bootable media |
Minimum 10GB of disk space |
Internet connection |
Make sure you have everything listed above before you proceed with the installation. Once you have everything, let’s move on to the installation process.
Debian 9 Server Install
Step 1: Download the Debian 9 ISO File
The first step in installing Debian 9 is to download the ISO file. You can download the ISO file from the official Debian website. Once you’ve downloaded the ISO file, you’ll need to create a bootable media to install Debian 9.
Step 2: Create a Bootable Media
After downloading the ISO file, you’ll need to create a bootable media to start the installation process. You can create a bootable USB drive or burn the ISO file to a DVD. There are several tools available that can help you create a bootable media, including Rufus, UNetbootin, and Etcher. Choose the tool that works best for you and create a bootable media using the ISO file you downloaded.
Step 3: Boot from the Bootable Media
Once you’ve created a bootable media, insert it into the server, and boot from it. You may need to change the boot order in the server’s BIOS to boot from the USB drive or DVD. Once you’ve booted from the bootable media, you’ll see the Debian installer.
Step 4: Select Your Language and Location
After booting from the bootable media, the Debian installer will ask you to select your language and location. Choose the language and location that best suits your needs.
Step 5: Configure Network Settings
The next step is to configure the network settings. You’ll need to set up the network so that the server can connect to the internet. Choose the appropriate network settings for your environment, including the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
Step 6: Partition the Disk
The next step is to partition the disk. You can use the default settings, or you can create a custom partition. If you’re not sure what to do, choose the default settings.
Step 7: Install Debian 9
After partitioning the disk, you’ll be asked to confirm the disk layout. Once you’ve confirmed the disk layout, the installation process will begin. The installation process may take some time, depending on your hardware configuration.
Step 8: Set the Root Password
After the installation is complete, you’ll be asked to set the root password. The root password is the password for the superuser account, which has full access to the server. Choose a strong and secure password and keep it safe.
Step 9: Install Additional Packages
After setting the root password, you can install additional packages. Debian 9 comes with a wide range of software packages, including web servers, databases, and programming languages. Choose the packages that best suit your needs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Debian 9
Advantages of Debian 9
Debian 9 has several advantages:
- Free and open-source: Debian 9 is a free and open-source operating system, which means that anyone can use it without paying a license fee.
- Stable: Debian 9 is known for its stability and reliability. It’s a popular choice for servers that need to run continuously without crashing.
- Secure: Debian 9 is designed with security in mind. It comes with several security features, including AppArmor, SELinux, and stack smashing protection.
- Large software repository: Debian 9 has a vast software repository that includes thousands of software packages.
- Community support: Debian 9 has a large and active community that provides support and assistance to users.
Disadvantages of Debian 9
Debian 9 also has some disadvantages:
- Outdated software: Debian 9 is known for its stability, but it comes at the cost of outdated software. Some users may find that the software packages in the Debian 9 repository are older than the latest versions available.
- Slow release cycle: Debian 9 has a slow release cycle, which means that new features and updates may take longer to be included in the official release.
- Steep learning curve: Debian 9 can be challenging for beginners to learn. It requires a basic understanding of the command line and Linux shell.
FAQs
What is the difference between Debian and Ubuntu?
Debian and Ubuntu are both free and open-source operating systems that are based on Linux. Debian is the parent distribution of Ubuntu, which means that Ubuntu is based on Debian. However, Ubuntu is designed to be more user-friendly and has a faster release cycle than Debian.
What is the minimum hardware requirement for Debian 9?
The minimum hardware requirement for Debian 9 is a 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, and 10GB of disk space. However, for optimal performance, it’s recommended to have at least 2GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, and 20GB of disk space.
How do I update Debian 9?
To update Debian 9, open the terminal and run the following commands:
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
These commands will update the package list and install any available updates.
How do I install packages in Debian 9?
To install packages in Debian 9, open the terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt-get install package_name
Replace package_name with the name of the package you want to install.
What desktop environments are available in Debian 9?
Debian 9 comes with several desktop environments, including GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXDE, and Cinnamon.
Can I install Debian 9 on a virtual machine?
Yes, you can install Debian 9 on a virtual machine. Virtual machines allow you to run multiple operating systems on a single hardware platform.
How do I create a user in Debian 9?
To create a user in Debian 9, open the terminal and run the following command:
sudo adduser username
Replace username with the name of the user you want to create.
How do I change the hostname in Debian 9?
To change the hostname in Debian 9, open the terminal and run the following command:
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new_hostname
Replace new_hostname with the new hostname you want to set.
What firewall is available in Debian 9?
Debian 9 comes with the iptables firewall, which is a command-line firewall that allows you to control incoming and outgoing traffic.
Can I install Debian 9 without a GUI?
Yes, you can install Debian 9 without a GUI. During the installation process, choose the “Debian CLI system” option instead of a desktop environment.
What file systems are supported in Debian 9?
Debian 9 supports several file systems, including ext4, XFS, and Btrfs.
How do I configure SSH in Debian 9?
To configure SSH in Debian 9, open the terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt-get install openssh-server
This command will install the SSH server on your system. You can then configure the server by editing the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file.
How do I restart services in Debian 9?
To restart services in Debian 9, open the terminal and run the following command:
sudo systemctl restart service_name
Replace service_name with the name of the service you want to restart. For example, to restart the Apache web server, run the following command:
sudo systemctl restart apache2
What is the default shell in Debian 9?
The default shell in Debian 9 is bash.
What package manager does Debian 9 use?
Debian 9 uses the apt package manager, which is a command-line tool for installing and managing software packages.
Conclusion
That’s it for our comprehensive guide on Debian 9 server install. We hope you found this guide helpful and informative. Setting up a server from scratch may seem daunting, but with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can do it. Debian 9 is a stable and reliable operating system that is perfect for servers, and we highly recommend it. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Happy server building!
Closing Disclaimer
The contents of this article are for educational and informational purposes only. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any damages or losses that may occur as a result of following the instructions in this article. Use this guide at your own risk, and always back up your data before making any changes to your system.