Linux OS has several flavors available on the internet, such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc. The users and system administrators can choose any Linux version to their liking. One such version is Debian Linux which users can easily install.
Installing Debian is an easy process depending on the ISO that the user chooses. The default Debian ISO provided on the website is difficult for users to install because it requires installation from external removable media. Hence, in this article, we will cover how to install Debian Linux on any machine easily.
Prerequisites:
Before starting with the installation of Debian Linux, you will need the following items:
- A USB with at least 4GB space available
- A machine with an internet connection on which you will download the ISO file. This could be the same system on which you have to install the Debian OS.
- A machine where you will install Debian OS.
- The RAM requirement for Debian GNOME is 4 GB. However, it will work well with 8 GB RAM. Furthermore, you will also need at least 25 GB of Hard disk space.
How to Install Debian Linux
1. Download the Correct Debian ISO File
It is crucial to choose the accurate ISO file as per the architecture of your machine. If you have a 32-bit architecture, choose the ISO file with x86 support. Otherwise, choose the ISO file with 64-bit support.
However, it is not easy to locate these files. When you click on the download button on the website, it downloads a net install file which is complicated to comprehend. Instead, choose a live ISO file from its official website. But, here is the catch, there are several live versions with non-free software. So, download a non-free live ISO file from the various torrents or direct links given on the website.
Another method is to download the file from the command line. Hit Ctrl+Alt+T to open the terminal and get the ISO file using the wget command.
For example:
wget https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/debian-11.0.0-amd64-netinst.iso2. Create USB of Debian ISO File
Now that the file is downloaded, plug in the USB in the USB Port of your system. Make sure to format it before making it a bootable USB. You can use Rufus for Windows or Etcher for Linux. To use Etcher, simply run the downloaded executable file and browse to your listed ISO file. Next, choose the right USB drive, and then hit the Flash button. Hence, your bootable USB drive is ready.
Alternatively, in a Linux terminal, you can use a command to create the bootable USB file. First, identify the USB using the lsblk command. For example:
sudo lsblk
Next, flash it using the dd command. For example:
sudo dd bs=4M if=./debian-11.0.0-amd64-netinst.iso of=/dev/sdx status=progress oflag=syncIn the above code, replace /dev/sdx with the path of your USB and ./debian-11.0.0-amd64-netinst.iso with the path of your ISO file that you have downloaded.
3. Boot Debian ISO from the USB
Before inserting the USB into the system, make sure to restart it. As the system is restarting, access the BIOS or Boot settings using the F2, F10, or F12 key, depending on your system make and model. If your system does not allow booting from USB, make sure to disable secure boot from BIOS settings to enable booting from live USB.
Once you have made the changes, save it by pressing the F10 key and exit. Your system will boot once again. When you see the manufacturer’s logo, press the F2, F10, or F12 key. You will see an option to boot from USB. Select the option using the cursor keys and hit “Enter”.
After that, choose the language to continue with the installation.
Next, you will see a session like the one shown below.
Choose your keyboard language and continue with the installation. It is important to note that keyboard settings are chosen based on the location. For instance, if my location is Malaysia, it will give me a Malay keyboard. Hence, it is crucial to choose the required keyboard. The method is pretty straightforward from here as the other OS installations.
4. Set Disk Partition
If you are installing Debian OS as the only OS on your system, the easiest method is to go with the “Erase Disk” option. Debian OS will automatically install everything under root except for the ESP partition and Swap space. However, if you wish to partition the system yourself, then allot the spaces for root, home, boot, and swap. Only go for this option if you are sure of what you are doing.
5. Set Root Username and Password
After the partitioning, the system will ask you to provide you with the username and password. Provide the required username. As for the password, if you wish to leave it empty, press Enter key and continue.
It will also ask for the domain name. If you do not have any, just leave it empty.
6. Install Debian Linux
Before starting with the installation, it will give you a summary of your settings and configurations.
If you wish to change something, you can go back and change it. Otherwise, just hit the “Installation” key for the installation process to start. It will take a few moments to complete the installation process.
7. Run Debian Linux
After the installation has been completed, the system will ask for a restart.
If everything has gone well, you will see the Debian start-up screen. Finally, you have installed Debian Linux on your system easily.
In conclusion, the article covers the guide on how to install Debian Linux easily on your machines. Was this tutorial helpful for you in installing Debian? If so, do not forget to share your view in the comments. You can now enjoy the amazingness of Debian Linux.
We hope that this detailed guide will assist you in setting up your Debian Linux machine successfully. Stay tuned for more tutorials and articles on the latest trends in the software and IT industry!
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