Beginner's Guide to Learning Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu Server is a powerful and widely used Linux-based operating system designed for server environments. Whether you're setting up a personal server, hosting a website, or managing cloud applications, Ubuntu Server provides a secure, stable, and efficient platform. In this guide, we will walk you through the fundamentals of Ubuntu Server, from installation to essential configurations and security enhancements.

1. Understanding Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu Server is a variant of the Ubuntu operating system optimized for server usage. Unlike Ubuntu Desktop, it does not include a graphical user interface (GUI) by default, making it lightweight and ideal for headless operations. It is widely used for web hosting, databases, cloud computing, and enterprise applications.

2. Installing Ubuntu Server

To install Ubuntu Server, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download Ubuntu Server ISO

Download the latest Ubuntu Server ISO from the official website.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Use tools like Rufus (Windows) or balenaEtcher (Mac/Linux) to create a bootable USB drive.

Step 3: Boot and Install Ubuntu Server

1. Insert the bootable USB into your server or PC.
2. Boot from the USB drive by modifying BIOS/UEFI settings.
3. Follow the installation wizard to set up system settings, user credentials, and disk partitions.
4. Configure networking (DHCP or static IP) and enable SSH for remote access.

3. Essential Ubuntu Server Commands

After installation, you'll need to interact with the server using the terminal. Here are some key commands:

Updating the System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Installing Software Packages

sudo apt install <package_name>

Managing Services

sudo systemctl start <service>
sudo systemctl stop <service>
sudo systemctl restart <service>

Or

sudo service <service> start|restart|stop

Firewall Configuration (UFW)

sudo ufw allow ssh
sudo ufw enable

4. Accessing Ubuntu Server Remotely

To connect to your Ubuntu Server remotely, use SSH (Secure Shell):

ssh username@server-ip

If you changed the SSH port, specify it like this:

ssh -p <port_number> username@server-ip

5. Setting Up a Web Server

Installing Apache

sudo apt install apache2 -y
sudo systemctl enable apache2
sudo systemctl start apache2

Installing Nginx

sudo apt install nginx -y
sudo systemctl enable nginx
sudo systemctl start nginx

6. Setting Up a Database Server

Installing MySQL

sudo apt install mysql-server -y
sudo mysql_secure_installation

Installing PostgreSQL

sudo apt install postgresql -y
sudo systemctl enable postgresql
sudo systemctl start postgresql

7. Securing Your Ubuntu Server

Security is a crucial aspect of server management. Here are some essential steps:

• Change SSH Port: Edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config and change Port 22 to a different number.
• Install Fail2Ban: Protect against brute-force attacks.

• Enable UFW Firewall:

  sudo ufw enable
  sudo ufw allow 80/tcp
  sudo ufw allow 443/tcp
  

8. Setting Up Backups and Monitoring

Using Rsync for Backups

rsync -avz /source/dir/ user@backup-server:/backup/dir/

Installing Monitoring Tools

• Netdata – Real-time system monitoring.
• Prometheus & Grafana – Advanced monitoring and visualization.

Conclusion

Ubuntu Server is a powerful and flexible operating system suitable for various server applications. By learning these basic concepts, you can set up and manage your own server efficiently. Depending on your needs, you can further explore LAMP/LEMP stacks, Docker, Kubernetes, VPNs, and more. Keep learning, and happy server management!