Ubuntu Server Cheat Sheet

Ubuntu Server is a free, open-source platform that does greater than you would possibly suppose. With its means to function an inner firm server or to scale all the best way up and out to satisfy enterprise-level wants, this working system can do all of it.

This cheat sheet is a straightforward method to stand up to hurry on Ubuntu Server. We’ll replace this information periodically when information and updates about Ubuntu Server are launched.

SEE: Instruments and Ideas for Creating Information Backups on Linux Servers (TechRepublic Premium)

Govt abstract

What’s Ubuntu Server? Ubuntu Server is a server working system, developed by Canonical and open-source programmers worldwide, that works with practically any {hardware} or virtualization platform. It might probably serve up web sites, file shares, and containers and broaden your organization choices with an unbelievable cloud presence.

Why does Ubuntu Server matter? Ubuntu Server works effectively within the cloud. For small- to mid-size companies on the lookout for an economical server answer, I reckon Ubuntu ought to be your first cease. The exact variety of customers operating Ubuntu on the cloud is troublesome to establish as a result of main cloud suppliers don’t all the time share detailed OS utilization statistics. Nonetheless, Canonical says Ubuntu is estimated to energy over 40% of all Linux workloads on main public clouds, comparable to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

Who does Ubuntu Server have an effect on? Based on W3Techs, as of November 2024, Linux is utilized by 53.6% of “all of the web sites whose working system we all know.” If we break that proportion down, then in terms of web sites utilizing the varied subcategories of Linux, Ubuntu is sitting comfortably on the high because it’s utilized by 16.4%. Debian is doing fairly effectively in second place at 8.9%.

When was Ubuntu Server launched? Ubuntu Server was first launched on October 20, 2004, and I consider it has been steadily enhancing and spreading its attain ever since.

How do I begin utilizing Ubuntu Server? Obtain a replica of the newest launch, burn it onto a disk or create a bootable USB drive, insert the bootable media into your server, and set up it. It’s also possible to take a look at TechRepublic Premium’s Ubuntu Server Set up Guidelines if your online business can afford $9 for a single obtain.

SEE: All of TechRepublic’s Cheat Sheets

What’s Ubuntu Server?

Ubuntu explains that it’s at present formally appropriate with 5 processor architectures: x86_64 (aka AMD64), ARM64 (aka AArch64), PowerPC64 (aka POWER), System z (aka S390X), and RISC-V. Beforehand supported architectures embrace x86, PowerPC, and SPARC64.

Ubuntu is a server platform that anybody can use for the next examples:

• Web sites.
• FTP.
• Electronic mail server.
• File and print server.
• Growth platform.
• Container deployment.
• Cloud companies.
• Database server.

Ubuntu Server has these minimal necessities:

• RAM: 1024 MB.
• Prompt minimal RAM: 3 GB or extra.
• Minimal storage: 5 GB (ISO installs).
• Minimal storage: 4 GB (cloud pictures).
• Prompt minimal storage: 25 GB or extra.

One profit that makes Ubuntu Server so interesting is its cost-effectiveness. Anybody can obtain a replica of the newest model of Ubuntu Server and deploy it on as many machines as needed—at zero price (minus {hardware} and time).

SEE: Home windows, Linux, and Mac Instructions Everybody Must Know (Free PDF)

If you happen to run a small firm and also you’re on the lookout for an easy-to-deploy file server or net server, I consider Ubuntu Server might deal with that and a lot extra. If you happen to’re an enterprise-level firm trying to scale out an OpenStack Cloud, an enormous render farm, or a Hadoop cluster, Ubuntu has you lined. For individuals who want to work with Ubuntu as a visitor in a digital atmosphere, Ubuntu Server has been licensed for AWS, Microsoft Azure, IBM, and HPE Cloud.

Simply because Ubuntu Server is open supply (and free to obtain), companies needn’t fear a couple of lack of help. You should buy enterprise-grade help for the platform. Ubuntu Professional (previously often known as Ubuntu Benefit) does have a 30-day trial for enterprises.

Ubuntu Professional pricing is as follows:

Why does Ubuntu Server matter?

Over the previous couple of years, the cloud has turn into a central level of focus for IT and customers, and that shift has been a serious boon to Canonical and Ubuntu. Ever since Infrastructure as a Service has taken off, Ubuntu has turn into one of many largest gamers in operating these companies from the cloud. For my part, Ubuntu is widespread with directors and DevOps engineers trying to deploy OpenStack.

Then, there’s Docker, which I classify as one of many market’s hottest container deployment platforms. I reckon Ubuntu Server makes organising Docker extremely simple — a lot so that almost any degree of IT professional could make deploying containers a actuality. Containers can go a protracted method to serving to you broaden your organization choices to employees, purchasers, and clients.

SEE: How-to Information for Linux Directors (Free PDF)

I feel one other benefit that Ubuntu Server has over many different platforms in its class is the snap package deal characteristic. Snap packages are common packages that comprise all needed dependencies and might be put in with a easy command (comparable to sudo snap set up nextcloud). Snaps will also be simply up to date with a single command (sudo snap refresh), so there are fewer administrative duties.

If the Ubuntu Server options aren’t sufficient to promote you, then take into consideration the stats. Based on Statista, as of July 2024, Ubuntu is the third hottest distribution of working methods amongst builders worldwide. In an uncommon case of symmetry, 27.7% of builders use it for skilled use, whereas 27.7% use it for private use. Unsurprisingly, Home windows was the most well-liked, adopted by MacOS.

Who does Ubuntu Server have an effect on?

Ubuntu Server impacts everybody from IT execs, builders, CFOs, and finish customers.

Let’s think about one aspect of Ubuntu Server: the cloud. Based on a Might 2024 report, Gartner predicted worldwide end-user spending on public cloud companies would develop 20.4% to a complete of $675.4 billion in 2024, up from $561 billion in 2023.

• OpenStack is likely one of the main cloud computing platforms.
• Ubuntu Server is likely one of the hottest working methods for OpenStack.

I feel the conclusion to attract is that Ubuntu Server isn’t solely ruling the cloud however will proceed to be a serious pressure in main IT.

If your online business has but to deploy Ubuntu Server, be affected person — it would. As corporations and customers turn into extra depending on the cloud, Ubuntu Server will turn into much more needed. Thankfully for IT execs, the platform makes rolling out containers and clouds extremely easy.

When was Ubuntu Server launched?

Ubuntu Server was first launched on October 20, 2004. As with each launch since then, Ubuntu pictures might be downloaded from both a desktop or a server platform.

The server launch makes use of the identical repositories because the desktop, so since inception, there was a continuity between the editions. Ubuntu Server has all the time been launched with out GUI by default as a result of sharing of repositories. It’s attainable to put in a graphical atmosphere.

Ubuntu Server has come a great distance since its humble beginnings. When Ubuntu Server was initially launched, it was extensively thought of an choice for mail, FTP, and net servers. Now, the sky’s the restrict.

What are Ubuntu Server’s opponents?

The competitors on the server platform is fierce, with open-source and proprietary options obtainable. The first competitors for market share is:

• Purple Hat Enterprise Linux.
• SUSE.
• CentOS.
• Fedora Server.
• Home windows Server.

Of the above choices, solely CentOS and Fedora Server are free.

How do I begin utilizing Ubuntu Server?

If you happen to set up Ubuntu Server on naked metallic or by way of a digital host, it is advisable obtain an Ubuntu Server ISO picture and both burn that picture onto a CD/DVD or create a bootable USB flash drive. Insert the media into the goal {hardware} and boot up. The working system set up is as simple as some other OS, if not simpler.

If a cloud deployment is your route of selection, you’ll need to log into your deployment dashboard and stroll via that cloud service’s deployment course of.

Irrespective of your path, beginning out with Ubuntu Server is pretty painless. Out of the field, you can be working from the command line, so it’s prudent to stand up to hurry with instruments comparable to apt-get. It’ll additionally assist to check with TechRepublic Premium for a information to configuring networking and tricks to safe Ubuntu Server.