In this tutorial we will perform the Ubuntu 20.04 server installation. The Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa LTS is a long term support release which guarantees updates for up to 10 years since its initial release. In terms of the actual Ubuntu 20.04 server this means security updates until 2032. This article will guide you through the minimal Ubuntu 20.04 server installation.
In this tutorial you will learn:
- How to download Ubuntu 20.04 server ISO image
- How to create bootable installation media
- How to boot to Ubuntu 20.04 Server installation wizard
- How to install minimal Ubuntu 20.04 server
Software Requirements and Conventions Used
Category | Requirements, Conventions or Software Version Used |
---|---|
System | Installed Ubuntu 20.04 or upgraded Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa |
Software | Ubuntu 20.04 Server |
Other | Privileged access to your Linux system as root or via the sudo command. |
Conventions |
# – requires given linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of sudo command$ – requires given linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user |
Ubuntu 20.04 Server Installation step by step instructions
- First step is to download Ubuntu 20.04 server ISO image. Ubuntu 20.04 Server ISO image is the only image release for various other architectures such as 64-bit PC (AMD64), 64-bit ARM, PowerPC64 and IBM System z. Select an appropriate architecture and download the
*.iso
file. - Next, choose from which medium you wish to perform the Ubuntu installation. In case your intention is to install the Ubuntu 20.04 Server virtually using a hypervisor simply proceed to the next step.
Most beginners will find using DVD as bootable medium a simpler method. If this is your case use your current operating system to burn the previously downloaded ISO image to blank DVD medium. There are no specific settings you need to choose while burning the ISO image just look for “Burn ISO image” image feature when using your burning software. Alternatively, you can install the Ubuntu Server using a bootbale USB flash drive.
- Next step is to insert the bootable media into your PC and change bios settings to boot from your selected boot media.
The following tables should provide you with some hints on how to access your computer Boot Menu. You will need to hit different keys (or combination of keys) depending on your computer type. Here is the list of possible keys you may have to press depending on your system:
Access Hypervisor boot menu
Key combinations for accessing Boot Menu on Hypervisors Device Key Combination Comment Oracle Virtual Box F12
Automatically boots from ISO when attached via virtual machine settings VMware Workstation Esc
boot menu,F12
BIOSAutomatically boots from ISO when attached via virtual machine settings Access BIOS legacy
Key combinations for accessing Legacy Boot Menu Device Key Combination Comment Acer Esc
,F12
orF9
F12
key most likelyAsus F8
orEsc
Compaq Esc
orF9
Dell F12
eMachines F12
Fujitsu F12
HP Esc
orF9
Lenovo F8
,F10
orF12
Other possibilities: Novo
button orFn + F11
Samsung Esc
orF2
orF12
For ultrabooks from Samsung disable the fast boot option in BIOS/UEFI. See next section. VAIO Esc
,F10
orF11
Other possibilities: Assist
buttonToshiba F12
Access BIOS/UEFI
To access BIOS/UEFI on your computer you will also need to hit different keys (or combination of keys) depending on your computer type. Here is the list of possible keys you may have to press depending on your PC:
Key combinations for accessing BIOS/UEFI Device Key Combination Comment Acer Del
orF2
F2
key most likelyAsus Delete
orDel
Compaq F10
Dell F2
eMachines Tab
orDel
Fujitsu F2
HP Esc
,F10
,F11
Other possibilities: on Pavilion – F1
Lenovo F1
orF2
Other possibilities: small button next to the Power button (if laptop) Samsung F2
For ultrabooks from Samsung it might be F10
VAIO F1
,F2
,F3
Other possibilities: Assist
buttonToshiba F1
,F2
,F12
orEsc
- Let’s proceed with the installation. Simply use the keyboard’s navigational arrows and TAB key to navigate the Ubuntu 20.04 Server installation wizard.
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- Filesystem setup allows your server to be configured across multiple storage devices and partitions. Ubuntu 20.04 Server wizard offers the following filesystem setup options:
- Use An Entire Disk
- This is the simplest filesystem configuration where all installation files as well as user home directories are a part of single (/) partitions.
- Use An Entire Disk And Set Up LVM
- Same as the above option however it uses LVM (Logical Volume Manager) to partition the disk.
- Manual
- This option provides the most flexibility and lets the user decide on the appropriate filesystem layout.
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If you have selected the Use An Entire Disk
option to let the installation wizard partition your filesystem automatically, simply proceed to
For those interested in a simple Manual
filesystem partitioning keep reading below.
For servers it is a good practice to set at least
/var
and /home
directories on a different partitions. The reason is that servers are most likely to be used as multi-user systems or will provide number of services which if not set correctly, may from time to time go out of control. Detaching the /var
and /home
directories from the main system will provide more stability since the user or service disk usage will not affect any core system functions and performance.
In the next few configuration steps we will manually partition our 30GB storage disk to consist of the following partitions:
/boot - 500 MB /home - 5 GB /var - 15 GB SWAP - 2 GB / - 7.5 GB
To install any GNU/Linux system you need at minimum two partitions. First partition is the root partition
/
which contains the entire system and SWAP
for the virtual memory.