Step-by-Step Guide to Installing AlmaLinux 9 on a Private Server

AlmaLinux 9 offers a powerful, stable, and open-source solution ideal for private servers. Follow this guide to install AlmaLinux 9 efficiently on your server.

Need More Tech Help – Download the URBT News App

Step 1: Prepare Your Server

1. Verify System Requirements: Ensure your server has at least 2 GB RAM, 20 GB disk space, and a 64-bit processor.
2. Backup Data: Backup existing data to prevent potential loss during installation.
3. Download AlmaLinux 9 ISO: Visit the AlmaLinux website and download the ISO file.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

1. Select a USB Drive: Use a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage.
2. Create a Bootable Drive:
   • On Windows: Use Rufus.
   • On Linux: Use the dd command or Etcher.
   • Command Example:

     sudo dd if=/path/to/almalinux-9.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync

     Replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive’s path.

Step 3: Boot Your Server from the USB Drive

1. Insert the USB Drive: Plug the bootable USB into your server.
2. Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart the server and press the key (e.g., F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) to enter BIOS/UEFI settings.
3. Set Boot Priority: Select the USB drive as the first boot device.
4. Save and Exit: Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI. The server will boot from the USB drive.

Step 4: Install AlmaLinux 9

1. Select Language: Choose your preferred language and click Continue.
2. Configure Installation Destination:
   • Disk Selection: Choose the disk where you will install AlmaLinux.
   • Partitioning: Opt for automatic partitioning or manually configure partitions.
3. Choose Software: Select the Base Environment. Add additional software packages as needed.

Step 5: Configure Network Settings

1. Enable Network Interface: Click Network & Hostname, enable your network interface, and configure it.
2. Set Hostname: Enter a hostname for your server (e.g., server.example.com).

Step 6: Begin Installation

1. Set Root Password: Create a strong root password.
2. Create a User Account: Set up a non-root user with administrative privileges.
3. Start Installation: Click Begin Installation. The process may take a few minutes.

Step 7: Post-Installation Configuration

1. Reboot Your Server: After installation, remove the USB drive and reboot the server.
2. First Boot Setup:
   • Log in as root or your newly created user.
   • Update the System:

     sudo dnf update -y

3. Configure the Firewall:
   • Enable and Start Firewall:

     sudo systemctl enable --now firewalld

   • Open Necessary Ports:

     sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=ssh
     sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Step 8: Install Additional Software (Optional)

1. Set Up a Web Server:
   • For Apache:

     sudo dnf install httpd -y
     sudo systemctl enable --now httpd

   • For Nginx:

     sudo dnf install nginx -y
     sudo systemctl enable --now nginx

2. Install a Database Server:
   • For MariaDB:

     sudo dnf install mariadb-server -y
     sudo systemctl enable --now mariadb

   • For PostgreSQL:

     sudo dnf install postgresql-server -y
     sudo postgresql-setup --initdb
     sudo systemctl enable --now postgresql

Step 9: Secure Your AlmaLinux Server

1. Disable Root SSH Login:
   • Edit SSH Configuration:

     sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

   • Set PermitRootLogin no and Restart SSH:

     sudo systemctl restart sshd

2. Enable SELinux: Ensure SELinux remains enabled for enhanced security.

Step 10: Verify Your Installation

1. Check Network Connectivity: Ensure your server connects to the internet and other networks.
2. Review System Logs: Inspect logs for errors or warnings:

   sudo journalctl -p 3 -xb

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed AlmaLinux 9 on your private server. Configure the server further to meet your specific needs, such as web hosting, database management, or other server-related tasks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing AlmaLinux 9 on a Private Server

Download the URBT News App from your App store. Apple / Andriod