advanced setup ubuntu server from zero with checking disks, etc
Pre-Installation Preparations
- Check the official Ubuntu hardware certification webpage.
- Ensure CPU architecture (x86_64 or ARM) is supported.
- Verify network interface cards and other peripherals.
- Consult manufacturer documentation for compatibility details.
- Download the latest Ubuntu Server ISO from the official website.
- Use a tool like Rufus or Balena Etcher to create bootable USB.
- Verify the integrity of the downloaded ISO using checksums.
- Prepare a DVD if using optical media, burning the ISO correctly.
- Identify and locate important files and directories.
- Use rsync or cp to copy data to an external drive.
- Create a list of backed-up files for future reference.
- Double-check the backup for completeness and accessibility.
- Review official Ubuntu Server documentation for requirements.
- Use commands like 'lscpu' and 'free -h' to check specs.
- Ensure at least 1 GHz CPU, 512 MB RAM, and 2.5 GB disk space.
- Consider additional resources for planned applications and services.
Disk Configuration
- Insert the Ubuntu Server installation media (USB/DVD).
- Power on the server and access the BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Set the boot order to prioritize the installation media.
- Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.
- Begin the installation process.
- Follow prompts to reach the disk configuration step.
- Choose the partitioning tool option from the installation menu.
- Select GParted or the built-in tool based on your preference.
- Launch the tool to view disk layout and options.
- Review the list of connected disks displayed.
- Select the disk intended for Ubuntu installation.
- Ensure the chosen disk has sufficient space.
- Confirm the disk's identifier (e.g., /dev/sda).
- View current partitions and their sizes in the tool.
- Check for important data that may need backup.
- Note any partitions that require deletion or modification.
- Ensure no critical system partitions are on the target disk.
- Choose unallocated space or delete existing partitions.
- Create a partition for root (e.g., 20GB or more).
- Create a swap partition (e.g., equal to RAM size).
- Optionally, create a home partition for user data.
- Select each partition and choose 'Format' option.
- Choose ext4 for root and home partitions.
- Select 'linux-swap' for the swap partition.
- Apply changes to format the selected partitions.
- Select the root partition and assign '/' as mount point.
- Assign '/home' as the mount point for the home partition.
- Leave the swap partition without a mount point.
- Review and confirm the mount point settings.
Installation Process
- Boot the server from the installation media.
- Wait for the boot menu to appear.
- Use arrow keys to highlight 'Install Ubuntu Server'.
- Press Enter to start the installation process.
- Select your preferred language from the list.
- Press Enter to confirm your language choice.
- Choose the keyboard layout that matches your hardware.
- Test the keyboard to ensure it is correctly configured.
- Choose to configure the network via DHCP or set a static IP.
- If static, enter the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
- Complete DNS settings if necessary.
- Confirm network settings before proceeding.
- Select 'Guided' for automatic partitioning or 'Manual' for custom setup.
- If manual, create partitions as needed (root, swap, etc.).
- Choose the disk to install Ubuntu on.
- Confirm storage changes before proceeding.
- Choose the software options you want to install.
- Select OpenSSH server if remote access is required.
- Optionally, select LAMP server for web hosting.
- Review selections before installation.
- Enter your full name for the user account.
- Choose a username for the account.
- Set a strong password that meets security requirements.
- Confirm the password by re-entering it.
- Select your region from the list presented.
- Choose the specific time zone for your location.
- Confirm the selected time zone.
- Ensure system clock settings are correct.
Post-Installation Configuration
Disk and Performance Checks
- Open terminal.
- Run command: df -h.
- Review disk usage for each mounted filesystem.
- Note available space and usage percentage.
- Open terminal.
- Type df -h and press Enter.
- Analyze human-readable output of disk usage.
- Identify filesystems and their respective used and available space.
- Install smartmontools if not installed.
- Identify disk with lsblk or fdisk -l.
- Run command: sudo smartctl -a /dev/sdX.
- Review SMART data for disk health indicators.
- Edit /etc/fstab for persistent mount options.
- Consider options like noatime, nodiratime for performance.
- Save changes and remount filesystems with sudo mount -o remount /mountpoint.
- Reboot to apply persistent changes.
- Install htop and iostat if not already installed.
- Run htop for real-time resource monitoring.
- Use iostat to check I/O statistics.
- Analyze CPU, memory, and disk activity.
Use in Manifestly