Pre-Installation Preparation¶
Proper preparation ensures a smooth installation and establishes a secure baseline.
Hardware Verification¶
Check System Compatibility¶
Before installation, verify your hardware is compatible with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
# From a live USB or existing Linux system
# Check CPU architecture and features
lscpu | grep -E "(Architecture|Flags)"
# Check available RAM
free -h
# List storage devices
lsblk
# Check network interfaces
ip link show
UEFI vs Legacy BIOS¶
Ubuntu 24.04 supports both UEFI and Legacy BIOS boot modes. UEFI is strongly recommended for:
- Secure Boot support - Cryptographic verification of boot components
- GPT partitioning - Supports disks larger than 2 TB
- Faster boot times - More efficient boot process
- Modern security features - Better integration with TPM
Check your current boot mode:
Hardware Compatibility Checklist¶
| Component | Check | Action if Incompatible |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 64-bit capable | Required for 24.04 |
| RAM | 1 GB minimum | Upgrade or use server-minimal |
| Storage | SATA/NVMe supported | Use compatible controller |
| Network | Recognized by kernel | May need firmware package |
| GPU | Basic framebuffer works | Usually fine for server |
Download and Verify¶
Obtain the ISO¶
Download Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS from the official source:
# Download from official mirror
wget https://releases.ubuntu.com/24.04/ubuntu-24.04-live-server-amd64.iso
Official Sources Only
Always download from releases.ubuntu.com or official mirrors. Never use ISOs from untrusted sources.
Verify ISO Integrity¶
Verification ensures the ISO hasn't been corrupted or tampered with.
Step 1: Download verification files
wget https://releases.ubuntu.com/24.04/SHA256SUMS
wget https://releases.ubuntu.com/24.04/SHA256SUMS.gpg
Step 2: Verify GPG signature
# Import Ubuntu's signing key
gpg --keyid-format long --keyserver hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com \
--recv-keys 0x843938DF228D22F7B3742BC0D94AA3F0EFE21092
# Verify signature
gpg --verify SHA256SUMS.gpg SHA256SUMS
You should see "Good signature from Ubuntu CD Image Automatic Signing Key".
Step 3: Verify checksum
Expected output: ubuntu-24.04-live-server-amd64.iso: OK
Verification Summary¶
| Check | Purpose |
|---|---|
| GPG signature | Confirms checksums are from Canonical |
| SHA256 checksum | Confirms ISO wasn't corrupted in transit |
| Official download | Ensures you have the authentic image |
Create Boot Media¶
USB Drive Preparation¶
Using dd (Linux/macOS):
# Identify the USB device (be careful!)
lsblk
# Write ISO to USB (replace /dev/sdX with your device)
sudo dd if=ubuntu-24.04-live-server-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync
Double-Check Device
The dd command will overwrite the target device without warning. Verify you have the correct device before running.
Using Balena Etcher (Cross-platform):
- Download Balena Etcher from https://etcher.balena.io/
- Select the Ubuntu ISO
- Select your USB drive
- Click "Flash"
Verify Boot Media¶
After creating the boot media, verify it works:
- Boot a test system from the USB
- Select "Check disc for defects" from the boot menu
- Let the verification complete
BIOS/UEFI Configuration¶
Access Firmware Settings¶
Access varies by manufacturer:
| Manufacturer | Common Keys |
|---|---|
| Dell | F2, F12 |
| HP | F10, Esc |
| Lenovo | F1, F2 |
| Supermicro | Del, F2 |
| ASUS | Del, F2 |
Recommended Settings¶
Security Settings:
| Setting | Recommended Value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Secure Boot | Enabled | Verify boot components |
| TPM | Enabled | Hardware security module |
| Boot Password | Set | Prevent unauthorized boot changes |
| Setup Password | Set | Protect BIOS settings |
Boot Settings:
| Setting | Recommended Value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Mode | UEFI | Modern boot process |
| Fast Boot | Disabled | Allows USB boot, full POST |
| CSM/Legacy | Disabled | UEFI only |
| Boot Order | USB first (temporarily) | Boot from installation media |
Virtualization Settings (if using KVM):
| Setting | Recommended Value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| VT-x/AMD-V | Enabled | Hardware virtualization |
| VT-d/IOMMU | Enabled | Device passthrough |
| ACS Override | Enabled (if available) | Better IOMMU grouping |
Network Planning¶
IP Address Assignment¶
Decide on network configuration before installation:
Option 1: DHCP during install, static post-install
- Simpler installation process
- Configure static IP via Netplan after first boot
- Recommended for most scenarios
Option 2: Static IP during install
- Requires knowing network details upfront
- Immediate accessibility at known address
- Better for headless installs
Required Network Information¶
For static IP configuration, gather:
| Information | Example | Your Value |
|---|---|---|
| IP Address | 192.168.1.100 | |
| Subnet Mask | 255.255.255.0 | |
| Gateway | 192.168.1.1 | |
| DNS Server(s) | 1.1.1.1, 8.8.8.8 | |
| Hostname | server01 | |
| Domain | example.com |
Network Interface Identification¶
Modern Ubuntu uses predictable network interface names:
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
enp*s* | PCI Ethernet | enp5s0 |
eno* | Onboard Ethernet | eno1 |
ens* | Hotplug slot | ens192 |
Identify your interfaces before installation if possible:
Pre-Installation Checklist¶
Before starting the installer, confirm:
- Hardware meets minimum requirements
- UEFI mode enabled in BIOS
- Secure Boot enabled (optional but recommended)
- TPM enabled (if available)
- ISO downloaded and verified
- Boot media created and tested
- Network information gathered
- Hostname decided
- Disk partitioning plan determined
- Encryption passphrase chosen (if using LUKS)
- Initial user credentials prepared
Next Step¶
Continue to Secure Boot Configuration to understand and configure UEFI Secure Boot, or skip to Disk Partitioning if you're not using Secure Boot.