Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS Install - Step by Step Guide - (Beginners Tutorial and Bonus! Web Server)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to install Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS on your computer or server. It's designed for beginners, ensuring you can set up your server environment effectively. Additionally, this guide includes instructions for installing Apache 2, allowing you to host and test your own website on your local network.

Step 1: Prepare Your Installation Media

• Download the Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS ISO from the Ubuntu website.
• Use a tool like Balena Etcher to create a bootable USB drive:
  • Install Balena Etcher from this link.
  • Open Balena Etcher and select the downloaded ISO file.
  • Choose your USB drive as the target and click "Flash" to create the bootable media.

Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive

• Insert the bootable USB drive into the server or computer.
• Restart the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, Delete, or Esc during startup).
• Change the boot order to prioritize booting from the USB drive.
• Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.

Step 3: Install Ubuntu Server

• Once the system boots from the USB drive, you will see the Ubuntu installation menu.
• Select "Install Ubuntu Server" and press Enter.
• Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout.
• Follow the prompts to set up:
  • Network Configuration: Choose your network interface and configure it (DHCP is common).
  • Storage Configuration: Select the disk to install Ubuntu. You can choose guided partitioning for simplicity.
  • Profile Setup: Enter your server's hostname, your name, and create a user account with a strong password.

Step 4: Configure Updates and Software

• During installation, you can choose to install updates automatically.
• You will also be prompted to select software to install. You can choose to install the OpenSSH server for remote management.
• After making your selections, proceed with the installation.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

• Once the installation completes, remove the USB drive when prompted.
• Reboot the server to finish the setup. Log in with the credentials you created earlier.

Step 6: Install Apache Web Server

• After logging into your server, update the package list:

  sudo apt update
  

• Install Apache 2:

  sudo apt install apache2
  

• Once installed, enable and start the Apache service:

  sudo systemctl enable apache2
  sudo systemctl start apache2
  

Step 7: Verify Apache Installation

• Open a web browser on a device connected to the same network.
• Enter your server's IP address. You should see the Apache2 Ubuntu default page, indicating the web server is running.

Conclusion

You have successfully installed Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS and set up Apache as a web server. This foundational knowledge allows you to host and test websites on your local network. As next steps, you might explore configuring your web server further or installing additional software packages to enhance your server's capabilities.