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Installing AlmaLinux: A Step-by-Step Guide

AlmaLinux is an open-source, community-driven Linux distribution that serves as a stable alternative to CentOS. In this guide, I will provide a detailed, step-by-step approach to installing AlmaLinux on your machine. Whether you are looking to set up a server or a desktop environment, I will cover all the necessary steps.

What is AlmaLinux?

AlmaLinux is designed to be functionally compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), making it a great choice for enterprises and developers. It is a free and open-source operating system that provides a stable platform for various applications.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before I proceed with the installation, there are a few prerequisites I need to ensure:

  1. Hardware Requirements: AlmaLinux requires at least 1 GB of RAM and 20 GB of storage space for a minimal installation. For a full desktop environment, I recommend at least 2 GB of RAM and 25 GB of storage.
  2. Installation Media: I need to download the AlmaLinux ISO file from the official website. I can use tools like Rufus or Balena Etcher to create a bootable USB drive.
  3. Backup Data: If I am installing AlmaLinux on a machine that already has an operating system, I must back up any important data.

Downloading AlmaLinux

I can download the latest version of AlmaLinux from the official website. The process is straightforward:

  1. Visit the AlmaLinux Download Page.
  2. Choose the appropriate version based on my architecture (x86_64 is common for most users).
  3. Select a mirror site to download the ISO file.

Creating Bootable Installation Media

After downloading the ISO file, I need to create a bootable USB drive. Here’s how I can do this using Rufus:

  1. Insert a USB drive into my computer.
  2. Open Rufus and select the USB drive from the device dropdown.
  3. Click on the “Select” button and choose the downloaded AlmaLinux ISO file.
  4. Make sure the partition scheme is set to MBR or GPT based on my system.
  5. Click on “Start” and wait for the process to complete.

Booting from USB Drive

Once the USB drive is ready, I need to boot from it:

  1. Restart my computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Delete during boot).
  2. Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
  3. Save changes and exit BIOS.

Starting the Installation Process

Upon booting from the USB drive, I will see the AlmaLinux installation menu. I will follow these steps:

  1. Select “Install AlmaLinux” from the menu.
  2. Choose my preferred language and click “Continue.”

Configuring Installation Settings

Now, I will configure the installation settings:

Installation Destination

  1. In the installation summary, select “Installation Destination.”
  2. Choose the hard drive where I want to install AlmaLinux.
  3. Select “Automatic partitioning” for a quick setup or “Custom” if I want to create specific partitions.

Network Configuration

  1. Click on “Network & Hostname.”
  2. Toggle the network interface to “On” to enable it.
  3. Set the hostname for my machine.

Software Selection

  1. Click on “Software Selection.”
  2. I can choose a minimal installation or a server with GUI. For most users, I recommend the Server with GUI option.

Time Zone Configuration

  1. Click on “Time Zone.”
  2. Select my geographical location to set the correct time zone.

Starting the Installation

After configuring all settings, I will return to the main installation summary page:

  1. Click on “Begin Installation.”
  2. During installation, I will set the root password and create a user account.

Completing the Installation

Once the installation completes, I will see a message indicating the success. I can then reboot my system:

  1. Remove the USB drive when prompted.
  2. Press Enter to reboot.

Post-Installation Steps

After I log into my new AlmaLinux installation, there are several steps I can take to optimize my environment:

Update the System

First, I should update the system to ensure all packages are current:

sudo dnf update -y

Install Additional Software

Depending on my needs, I might want to install additional software. For example, I could install development tools:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools" -y

Configure Firewall

To enhance security, I should configure the firewall. AlmaLinux uses firewalld by default:

sudo systemctl start firewalld
sudo systemctl enable firewalld

I can then allow or deny services as needed:

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

Setting Up SSH (Optional)

If I plan to access my machine remotely, I need to install and configure SSH:

sudo dnf install openssh-server -y
sudo systemctl start sshd
sudo systemctl enable sshd

Conclusion

In this guide, I have walked through the process of installing AlmaLinux step-by-step. From downloading the ISO to configuring essential post-installation settings, I have aimed to provide a comprehensive resource for those interested in this robust operating system.

Remember to explore the official documentation and community forums for additional support and resources. AlmaLinux offers a stable and reliable environment for both servers and desktop applications. I hope this guide serves as a helpful starting point for your journey with AlmaLinux.

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