Installing Linux in a Server Configuration

A key attribute in Linux’s recent success is the remarkable improvement in installation tools. What once was a mildly frightening process many years back has now become almost trivial. Even better, there are many ways to install the software; CD-ROMs are no longer the only choice (although they are still the most common). Network installations are part of the default list of options as well, and they can be a wonderful help when installing a large number of hosts.

In most cases, designating a system as a server will enable more services than you want. A single Linux system is capable of providing all sorts of services: disk, printers, mail, news, web, chat, and more. Many of these services are turned on automatically. But the reality is that most servers are dedicated to performing one or two tasks, and any other installed services simply take up memory and drag on performance, as well as provide hackers another avenue of attack.

This module discusses the installation process as it pertains to servers. This requires you to do two things: differentiate between a server and a client workstation and streamline a server’s operation in terms of its dedicated functions.