Introduction
Greetings, fellow Ubuntu enthusiasts! We all know how fulfilling it is to finally install Ubuntu Server and get to work. However, there’s more to do than just celebrate. In this article, we’ll guide you through the 15 critical things to do after installing Ubuntu Server. We understand that this process can be overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into the world of Ubuntu Server and get you started.
1. Secure Your Server with a Firewall
One of the first things to do after installing Ubuntu Server is to secure it with a firewall. A firewall helps in protecting your server from malware, cyber-attacks, and hacking attempts. Ubuntu Server comes with the Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) pre-installed, but it’s not enabled by default. Therefore, the first thing to do after installation is to enable it with the following commands:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo ufw allow ssh |
Enables SSH access |
sudo ufw enable |
Activates the Firewall |
sudo ufw status |
Shows the status of the Firewall |
2. Update and Upgrade Your System
It’s important to keep your Ubuntu Server up to date to ensure optimal performance and security. After installing Ubuntu Server, update your system with the following commands:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt update |
Updates the package list |
sudo apt upgrade |
Upgrades the installed packages |
sudo apt autoremove |
Removes unneeded packages |
3. Install a Text Editor
Ubuntu Server doesn’t come with a text editor pre-installed. Therefore, it’s important to install one to make it easier for you to edit files. There are many text editors to choose from, but we recommend using the Nano editor. Install it with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install nano |
Installs the Nano text editor |
4. Create a New User
After installing Ubuntu Server, it’s important to create a new user besides the default user created during installation. This user will have limited access to the system, ensuring maximum security. Create a new user with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo adduser <username> |
Creates a new user with the specified username |
5. Install and Configure SSH
Secure Shell (SSH) is a protocol used to access a remote machine securely. Ubuntu Server comes with SSH pre-installed, but you need to configure it to ensure maximum security. You can install SSH with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install openssh-server |
Installs the SSH server |
6. Install a Web Server
If you intend to host a website or web application, you need to install a web server. Apache2 is the most popular web server on Ubuntu Server, and you can install it with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install apache2 |
Installs the Apache2 web server |
7. Install a Database Management System
To store and retrieve data efficiently, you need to install a database management system. MySQL is the most popular database management system on Ubuntu Server, and you can install it with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install mysql-server |
Installs the MySQL server |
8. Install PHP
If you’re developing a web application, you need to install PHP to enable server-side scripting. You can install PHP with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql |
Installs PHP and its dependencies |
9. Install a Mail Server
If you want to send and receive emails on Ubuntu Server, you need to install a mail server. Postfix is the most popular mail server on Ubuntu Server, and you can install it with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install postfix |
Installs the Postfix mail server |
10. Install Monitoring Tools
To ensure optimal performance and security, you need to monitor your Ubuntu Server. There are many monitoring tools to choose from, but we recommend using the Zabbix monitoring tool. You can install it with the following commands:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
wget https://repo.zabbix.com/zabbix/5.2/ubuntu/pool/main/z/zabbix-release/zabbix-release_5.2-1+<ubuntu_version>_all.deb |
Downloads the Zabbix repository |
sudo dpkg -i zabbix-release_5.2-1+<ubuntu_version>_all.deb |
Installs the Zabbix repository |
sudo apt update |
Updates the package list |
sudo apt install zabbix-server-mysql zabbix-frontend-php zabbix-apache-conf zabbix-agent |
Installs Zabbix server, web interface, and agent |
11. Install Backup Software
Backing up your Ubuntu Server is essential to ensure that you don’t lose your data in case of hardware failure, cyber-attacks, or other unforeseen events. There are many backup software solutions to choose from, but we recommend using the Bacula backup server. You can install it with the following commands:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
wget https://www.bacula.org/downloads/bacula-11.0.5.tar.gz |
Downloads the Bacula backup server |
tar -xzf bacula-11.0.5.tar.gz |
Extracts the Bacula tarball |
cd bacula-11.0.5 |
Changes to the Bacula directory |
sudo ./configure |
Configures Bacula |
sudo make |
Compiles Bacula |
sudo make install |
Installs Bacula |
12. Disable Root SSH Access
Root SSH access is a security risk, and you should disable it after installing Ubuntu Server. To disable it, you need to edit the SSH configuration file with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config |
Edits the SSH configuration file |
Find the line that says PermitRootLogin and change it to no. Save the changes and exit the editor. Then restart the SSH service with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo systemctl restart ssh |
Restarts the SSH service |
13. Disable Unused Services
Disabling unused services on Ubuntu Server can help improve security and performance. You can disable them with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo systemctl disable <service_name> |
Disables the specified service |
14. Configure Timezone and NTP
Setting up the correct timezone and NTP (Network Time Protocol) is crucial to ensure that your Ubuntu Server has accurate date and time. You can set up the timezone with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo timedatectl set-timezone <timezone> |
Sets the timezone |
You can set up NTP with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install ntp |
Installs NTP |
15. Enable Automatic Updates
Enabling automatic updates on Ubuntu Server can help ensure that your system is up to date. You can enable automatic updates with the following command:
Command |
Description |
|---|---|
sudo apt install unattended-upgrades |
Installs automatic updates |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
Installing Ubuntu Server comes with many advantages, including:
- Open-source: Ubuntu Server is an open-source operating system, meaning it’s free to use and modify as you wish.
- Stability: Ubuntu Server is known for being stable and reliable, making it an excellent choice for servers.
- Customization: Ubuntu Server is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific needs.
- Community support: Ubuntu Server has a vast community of users and developers who can provide support and guidance.
Disadvantages
However, Ubuntu Server also has its disadvantages, including:
- Steep learning curve: Ubuntu Server can be challenging to learn, especially if you’re new to Linux.
- Limited GUI: Ubuntu Server doesn’t come with a graphical user interface (GUI), making it more challenging to use for some users.
- Hardware compatibility: Some hardware may not be compatible with Ubuntu Server, making it challenging to use.
FAQs
1. Can I install Ubuntu Server on a virtual machine?
Yes, you can install Ubuntu Server on a virtual machine using software such as VirtualBox.
2. Can I install Ubuntu Server on a Raspberry Pi?
Yes, you can install Ubuntu Server on a Raspberry Pi using the Raspberry Pi Imager tool.
3. Do I need a powerful computer to run Ubuntu Server?
No, Ubuntu Server can run on low-powered devices, including Raspberry Pi and other single-board computers.
4. Can I use Ubuntu Server as a desktop operating system?
Although Ubuntu Server is primarily designed for servers, you can use it as a desktop operating system if you install a graphical user interface (GUI).
5. How do I access Ubuntu Server remotely?
You can access Ubuntu Server remotely using SSH or a remote desktop protocol (RDP) such as VNC.
6. Can I install a different web server instead of Apache2?
Yes, there are many web servers to choose from, including Nginx, Lighttpd, and others.
7. Do I need to configure the firewall after installing Ubuntu Server?
Yes, it’s crucial to configure the firewall to ensure maximum security for your Ubuntu Server.
8. How do I check the system resources on Ubuntu Server?
You can check the system resources on Ubuntu Server using the top command in the terminal.
9. How do I update Ubuntu Server?
You can update Ubuntu Server using the apt update and apt upgrade commands in the terminal.
10. Can I install multiple web applications on Ubuntu Server?
Yes, you can install multiple web applications on Ubuntu Server by configuring Apache2 or another web server appropriately.
11. Do I need to create a separate user besides the default user?
Yes, creating a new user is essential for ensuring maximum security for your Ubuntu Server.
12. How often should I back up my Ubuntu Server?
You should back up your Ubuntu Server regularly, depending on how frequently you update your data.
13. Can I use Ubuntu Server for hosting game servers?
Yes, you can use Ubuntu Server to host game servers using software such as SteamCMD or Minecraft.
14. How do I monitor my Ubuntu Server?
You can monitor your Ubuntu Server using monitoring tools such as Zabbix.
15. How do I disable automatic updates on Ubuntu Server?
You can disable automatic updates on Ubuntu Server by editing the Unattended-Upgrade configuration file and setting “APT::Periodic::Unattended-Upgrade” to “0”.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’re now ready to take your Ubuntu Server to the next level with the 15 things to do after installation. We hope this article has been informative and useful for you. Remember to keep your Ubuntu Server up to date and secure by regularly updating and installing security patches. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
Closing/Disclaimer
In conclusion, we want to remind you that Ubuntu Server can be a powerful tool when used correctly, but it also requires caution and attention to details. Remember to always secure your server, keep it up to date, and perform regular backups to prevent any data loss. Additionally, while this article provides helpful suggestions, it’s essential to adapt them to your specific use case and requirements. We are not responsible for any damage or harm caused by the use or misuse of this information. As always, use it at your own risk.