Install Ubuntu Server 10.04 LTS

This tutorial will walk you through a base installation of Ubuntu Server 10.04 LTS (64-bit). Ubuntu releases a new OS version every six months. Every two years, however, a Long Term Support (LTS) version is released, which is supported for three years for the desktop version and five years for the server vesion. Version 10.04 is the current LTS release as of this writing, which makes it ideal for enterprise use and meets our requirement for long service life.

Before You Begin

This tutorial covers basic installation. If you are relatively new to Ubuntu Server, do yourself a favour and read the Ubuntu Server Guide, with particular attention on the Installation section. For advanced disk options, refer to the Advanced Installation section of the server guide. Detailed installation information is available in the Ubuntu Server Installation Guide.

Installation

The following steps will walk you through a bare bones installation of Ubuntu Server 10.04 LTS (64 bit). Some installation variables will need to be modified based on your specific environment (e.g. language, timezone, etc.).

1. Insert or mount the Ubuntu Server installation disc and boot the installer
2. Choose your language
3. Select "Install Ubuntu Server" to boot the OS installer
4. Select your installation language
5. Select the country in which the server is being installed
6. Detect keyboard layout: select "No"
7. Select the keyboard origin (e.g. USA)
8. Select the keyboard layout (e.g. USA)
9. Enter the hostname for this server (e.g. drupal1)
10. Set the server's timezone (e.g. Toronto)
11. Partition disks: select "Guided - use entire disk" (Note: this is the most basic partitioning scheme and may not be appropriate for all production envirionments. Refer to the Advanced Installation section of the server guide for detailed partitioning options.)
12. Select the disk to partition, review the partitioning changes and select "Yes" to write the changes to disk (caution: this will permanently erase any data on the selected disk)
13. The base system will now be installed; good time to get a coffee!
14. Enter your full name
15. Enter a username for your new account
16. Enter and verify the account password
17. Select "No" to choose not to encrypt your home directory
18. Enter your HTTP proxy information or leave blank if you do not use a proxy
19. Choose how you want to manage system upgrades: select "No automatic updates"
20. Choose software to install: do not choose any software packages and select "Continue" (note: we will be installing additional packages in later tutorials)
21. If this is the only OS on the boot drive, select "Yes" to install the GRUB boot loader
22. Once installation is complete, remove or dismount the OS installation disc and select "Continue" to boot your new system

Find an error? Know a better way? Please leave a comment and help improve this cookbook.