AlmaLinux 9: How to Install with Prepared Installation Disk
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5 minute read
AlmaLinux has quickly become a popular choice for those seeking a stable, enterprise-grade Linux distribution. As a 1:1 binary compatible fork of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), it offers a robust and reliable platform for various applications. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing AlmaLinux 9 using a prepared installation disk.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure you have the following:
A computer with at least 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended for GUI installations)
20GB of free disk space (more is recommended for production use)
A prepared AlmaLinux 9 installation disk (USB drive or DVD)
Internet connection (optional, but recommended for updates during installation)
Step 1: Obtaining the Installation Media
If you haven’t already prepared your installation media, you’ll need to:
Visit the official AlmaLinux website ( https://almalinux.org/)
Navigate to the Downloads section
Choose AlmaLinux 9 and select the appropriate ISO file (usually the DVD ISO)
Download the ISO file
Create a bootable USB drive or burn the ISO to a DVD There are various tools available for creating bootable USB drives, such as Rufus for Windows or dd for Linux systems.
Step 2: Booting from the Installation Media
Insert your prepared installation disk (USB or DVD) into your computer
Restart your computer
Access your computer’s boot menu (usually by pressing F12, F2, or Del during startup)
Select the installation media as the boot device
When the AlmaLinux boot menu appears, select “Install AlmaLinux 9”
Step 3: Language Selection
The first screen you’ll encounter is the language selection. Choose your preferred language for the installation process and click “Continue.”
Step 4: Installation Summary
You’ll now see the Installation Summary screen, which provides an overview of various installation options. We’ll go through each section:
Localization
Keyboard: Set your keyboard layout
Language Support: Add additional language support if needed
Time & Date: Set your time zone and configure NTP (Network Time Protocol) if desired Software
Installation Source: This should be set to “Local media” by default
Software Selection: Choose your base environment (e.g., Server with GUI, Minimal Install, Workstation) System
Installation Destination: Select the drive where you want to install AlmaLinux
KDUMP: Enable or disable the kernel crash dumping mechanism
Network & Host Name: Configure network settings and set your system’s hostname User Settings
Root Password: Set a strong password for the root account
User Creation: Create a non-root user account (recommended)
Step 5: Installation Destination
Click on “Installation Destination” to configure your disk partitioning:
Select the disk(s) you want to use for installation
Choose between “Automatic” or “Custom” partitioning
For most users, “Automatic” is sufficient
If you need specific partitioning schemes, select “Custom”
If using “Custom,” create the following partitions at minimum:
/boot (1GB)
/ (root, allocate remaining space)
swap (typically 1.5x your RAM size, up to 8GB)
Click “Done” when finished
Step 6: Software Selection
Click on “Software Selection” to choose your desired installation type:
Select a base environment (e.g., “Server with GUI” or “Minimal Install”)
Choose additional software packages if needed
Click “Done” to confirm your selection
Step 7: Network & Host Name
Configure your network settings:
Click on “Network & Host Name”
Set your desired hostname
Toggle the network adapter to “ON” if you want to configure it during installation
Configure IPv4/IPv6 settings as needed
Click “Done” to save your settings
Step 8: Begin Installation
Once you’ve configured all necessary options:
Review the Installation Summary screen
Click “Begin Installation” to start the process
Step 9: User Settings
While the installation is running:
Set the root password when prompted
Create a non-root user account (recommended for daily use)
Step 10: Complete Installation
Wait for the installation to complete (this may take several minutes)
Click “Reboot” when prompted
Remove the installation media before the system restarts
Post-Installation Steps
After your system reboots:
Log in using your created user account
Open a terminal and run
sudo dnf updateto ensure your system is up-to-dateInstall any additional software you need using
sudo dnf install <package-name>Configure your firewall settings using
firewall-cmdif necessarySet up any additional users or groups as needed
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you might encounter during installation and how to resolve them:
Boot media not recognized: Ensure your BIOS/UEFI settings allow booting from USB/DVD and that the installation media is properly created.
Network not detected: Check your network cable connection or Wi-Fi adapter. You may need to load additional drivers during installation.
Partitioning errors: If using custom partitioning, ensure you’ve allocated enough space for each partition and that you’ve included all necessary mount points.
Package installation failures: This could be due to corrupt installation media. Try re-downloading the ISO and creating a new installation disk.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed AlmaLinux 9 on your system. AlmaLinux offers a stable, secure, and free enterprise-grade operating system that’s perfect for servers, workstations, and development environments.
Remember to keep your system updated regularly using sudo dnf update and explore the wealth of software available in the AlmaLinux repositories. If you encounter any issues or need community support, don’t hesitate to visit the official AlmaLinux forums or documentation.
AlmaLinux 9 provides a solid foundation for your computing needs, whether you’re running a web server, developing software, or using it as a daily driver. Enjoy your new AlmaLinux 9 installation!