Installing and configuring UNIX-like systems can be a rewarding experience that offers insight into the workings of operating systems at a fundamental level. This chapter provides a high-level overview of the installation and initial configuration processes for four popular UNIX-like systems: FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Rocky Linux, and Debian Linux. Each of these systems embodies the UNIX philosophy in its own unique way, catering to different user needs and preferences.
FreeBSD
FreeBSD is known for its robustness, advanced networking, performance, and compatibility with a wide range of hardware. It's often used in high-performance and networking applications.
Installation
- Download: Obtain the FreeBSD installation media from the FreeBSD website, choosing the appropriate architecture.
- Boot: Start the system with the installation media inserted. You'll be greeted by the FreeBSD installer,
bsdinstall
. - Setup: Follow the on-screen prompts to set up disk partitioning (using either UFS or ZFS), select packages, and configure network settings.
- User Accounts: Create a root password and at least one user account with administrative privileges (via
sudo
ordoas
).
Initial Configuration
- Update System: Ensure the system is up to date with
freebsd-update fetch
andfreebsd-update install
. - Install Packages: Use
pkg
to install software. For example,pkg install sudo
installs sudo. - Configure Networking: Edit
/etc/rc.conf
to configure network interfaces and services.
OpenBSD
OpenBSD is celebrated for its focus on security, correctness, and clean code. It is a good choice for security-focused applications and those valuing a minimalistic approach.
Installation
- Download: Get the OpenBSD installation media from the OpenBSD website, choosing the version that matches your hardware architecture.
- Boot: Boot the system from the installation media. The OpenBSD installer, a simple, text-based interface, will start.
- Setup: The installer will guide you through disk partitioning (with options for various filesystems), package selection, and network configuration.
- User Accounts: Establish a root password and create user accounts. OpenBSD encourages using
doas
for privilege escalation.
Initial Configuration
- Update System: Run
syspatch
to apply binary patches andpkg_add -u
to update installed packages. - Install Packages: The
pkg_add
command is used for installing new packages, e.g.,pkg_add vim
. - Network Configuration: Network interfaces can be configured via files in
/etc/hostname.if
, and other settings are managed in/etc/rc.conf.local
.
Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux is a community enterprise operating system designed to be 100% bug-for-bug compatible with America's top enterprise Linux distribution, making it ideal for enterprise environments seeking stability.
Installation
- Download: Acquire the Rocky Linux ISO from the official website, selecting the version appropriate for your architecture.
- Boot: Insert the installation media and reboot the system. The graphical installer will start.
- Setup: Through the installer GUI, choose your installation destination, software selection (minimal, server, or custom), and network settings.
- User Accounts: Set a root password and create a user with administrative rights.
Initial Configuration
- Update System: Use
dnf update
to update all system packages to their latest versions. - Install Packages:
dnf
is the package manager for Rocky Linux. For instance,dnf install epel-release
installs the EPEL repository. - Configure Networking: Network settings can be managed with
nmcli
or by editing configuration files in/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts
.
Debian Linux
Debian is renowned for its stability, extensive software repositories, and commitment to free software principles. It's a popular choice for both servers and desktops.
Installation
- Download: Download the Debian installation image from the Debian website, ensuring it matches your system's architecture.
- Boot: With the installation media ready, boot the system from it. You'll be presented with the Debian Installer, which can be graphical or text-based.
- Setup: Follow the prompts to configure disk partitioning (supporting a variety of filesystems), select software to install (from minimal to desktop environments), and set up network interfaces.
- User Accounts: Create a root password and at least one user account.
Initial Configuration
- Update System: Run
apt update
andapt upgrade
to refresh package indexes and upgrade all installed packages. - Install Packages: Use
apt
to install new software. For example,apt install sudo
to install sudo. - Configure Networking: Edit
/etc/network/interfaces
for static network configurations or usenetwork-manager
for dynamic management.