How To Install Ubuntu Server

How to Seamlessly Install Ubuntu Server for Optimal Performance and Security

Think installing Ubuntu Server is just about running through a setup wizard? Think again. This guide dives deep into optimizing your installation process to unlock performance and security gains that many overlook—because a server’s true value starts before it’s even online.

Why Your Ubuntu Server Installation Matters More Than You Think

Choosing and installing the right Ubuntu Server configuration isn't just about getting the OS up and running. It’s the foundational step that sets the tone for how well your server performs, how secure it is against threats, and how easily it scales with your growing needs.

Rushing through a default install might get your server online quickly, but it leaves you vulnerable to misconfigurations, inefficient resource use, and security gaps. Taking a bit of extra time upfront to install Ubuntu Server with optimized settings pays off tremendously in the long run.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Ubuntu Server the Right Way

This practical walkthrough highlights key decisions and techniques you should consider during your installation to maximize performance and security.

1. Choose the Right Ubuntu Server Version

Ubuntu supports multiple LTS (Long Term Support) versions, generally supported for 5 years, and interim releases which are supported for 9 months.

• Recommendation: Use the latest LTS release (e.g., Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS) for stability, wide package support, and security updates.
• Why? LTS releases are battle-tested and receive continuous security patches—critical for production environments.

2. Prepare Your Installation Media

• Download the ISO from the official Ubuntu website.
• Create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus (Windows), BalenaEtcher (cross-platform), or dd (Linux/macOS).

Pro Tip: Verify your ISO checksum to ensure the integrity of the image before installation.

3. Optimize Disk Partitioning for Performance and Security

When the installer asks for disk layout, avoid the default “Use entire disk” auto partitioning—take control.

• Separate partitions for /, /home, /var, and /tmp: This isolates system files, user data, logs, and temporary files. It limits damage if any partition fills up and helps performance tuning.
• Use LVM (Logical Volume Manager): Flexibility to resize partitions and add storage without downtime.
• Enable encryption for sensitive systems (LUKS full disk encryption): Protect data at rest, especially for servers handling confidential data.

Example partition scheme:

4. Select Minimal Install with Essential Packages Only

During installation, Ubuntu Server offers an option to install additional services such as OpenSSH server, database servers, or DNS. Less is more here.

• Only install what you need upfront. Avoid unnecessary services that inflate your attack surface and resource usage.
• You can always add features later using apt.

5. Set Up a Strong User and Enable SSH Securely

• Create a non-root user with sudo privileges (best practice over using root directly).
• Install and enable OpenSSH server to allow secure remote management.
• Generate SSH keys for authentication rather than relying on passwords.

Example: On your local machine, generate SSH keys

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@example.com"
ssh-copy-id user@your-server-ip

During installation, make sure the OpenSSH server is set up. You can disable password authentication later by editing /etc/ssh/sshd_config:

PasswordAuthentication no
PermitRootLogin no

6. Network Configuration: Assign Static IP Addresses

Avoid dynamic IPs for servers whenever possible to ensure consistent connectivity, especially for web, database servers, or DNS.

• Ubuntu Server installer allows network interface configuration—opt for manual configuration.
• Use netplan to configure static IPs post-installation as well, e.g.:

network:
  version: 2
  ethernets:
    eth0:
      dhcp4: no
      addresses: [192.168.1.100/24]
      gateway4: 192.168.1.1
      nameservers:
        addresses: [8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4]

Save your config and apply with:

sudo netplan apply

7. Keep Your System Up-to-Date Immediately After Installation

Once you finish installing, don’t delay updating your system with the latest security patches:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Consider enabling automatic security updates to keep your server protected without manual intervention:

sudo apt install unattended-upgrades
sudo dpkg-reconfigure --priority=low unattended-upgrades

Final Thoughts: A Thoughtful Installation is Half the Battle Won

Installing Ubuntu Server with an eye on performance and security isn’t complicated; it just requires mindful steps during the initial setup:

• Choose the right Ubuntu LTS version.
• Partition thoughtfully.
• Install only what you need.
• Use secure user and access configurations.
• Set up networking correctly.
• Immediately apply updates and patch new setups.

By integrating these best practices into your Ubuntu Server installation process, you pave the way for a robust, scalable, and secure infrastructure that can grow with your organizational needs.

Happy installing! If you have any questions or want me to cover post-installation optimization tweaks, leave a comment below!