Linux Server Installation Checklist

1. Pre-Installation Preparation

Determine the server's purpose and required specifications
Choose a suitable Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu Server, CentOS, Debian)
Download the chosen distribution's ISO image
Verify the ISO checksum for integrity
Prepare bootable media (USB drive or DVD)
Backup any existing data if applicable
Gather necessary network information (IP, subnet mask, gateway, DNS)

2. BIOS/UEFI Configuration

Enter BIOS/UEFI setup
Set correct date and time
Configure boot order to prioritize installation media
Enable virtualization support if needed (for VMs or containers)
Save changes and exit

4. Post-Installation Configuration

Log in as the created user
Update the system: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade (for Debian-based) or sudo yum update (for Red Hat-based)
Configure firewall (e.g., UFW or firewalld)
Set up SSH for remote access
Configure automatic security updates
Install and configure fail2ban for additional security
Set up time synchronization (NTP)
Configure log rotation

5. Service Configuration

Install and configure required services (e.g., web server, database, mail server)
Set up service monitoring
Configure backup solution
Implement log aggregation if needed

6. Performance Tuning

Adjust kernel parameters if necessary
Optimize disk I/O performance
Configure swap space
Set up resource limits

7. Documentation

Document server specifications and purpose
Record all configuration changes
Create user and administration guides
Document backup and recovery procedures

Additional Resources