Instructions for Installing AlmaLinux 9 Using a Ready Installation Disk
AlmaLinux, a 1:1 binary compatible fork of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), offers a robust and reliable platform for various applications. Here's a simple guide to creating an AlmaLinux 9 installation disk and installing the operating system.
**Step 1: Download the AlmaLinux 9 ISO**
Visit the official AlmaLinux website and download the AlmaLinux 9 ISO installation image appropriate for your system architecture (usually x86_64).
**Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive**
Use a tool like Rufus (Windows), Balena Etcher (Windows/Linux/macOS), or the `dd` command (Linux/macOS) to write the AlmaLinux ISO to a USB flash drive. For Rufus, insert your USB drive, select the AlmaLinux ISO, and start writing. For `dd` (Linux/macOS), run a command like:
```bash sudo dd if=/path/to/almalinux.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync ```
Replace `/dev/sdX` with your USB device identifier.
**Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive**
Insert the bootable USB into the target machine and reboot. Enter the BIOS/UEFI menu (usually by pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc during boot) and set the USB drive as the first boot device.
**Step 4: Start AlmaLinux Installation**
When the system boots from the USB, you will see the AlmaLinux installation menu. Select *Install AlmaLinux 9*.
**Step 5: Select Language and Keyboard**
Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout for installation.
**Step 6: Configure Network and Hostname**
In the installer’s *Network & Hostname* section, configure your network connection. Usually, automatic IP configuration is sufficient.
**Step 7: Select Installation Destination**
Choose the disk where AlmaLinux will be installed. You can opt for automatic partitioning or configure manual partitions as required, including creating at least /boot (1GB), / (root, allocate remaining space), and swap (typically 1.5x your RAM size, up to 8GB) partitions.
**Step 8: Select Software to Install**
Choose the software profile: for example, **Server**, **Server with GUI** (which includes GNOME desktop), or minimal installation.
**Step 9: Set Root Password and Create User**
Set a strong root password and create a regular user account with a password.
**Step 10: Begin Installation**
Click on *Begin Installation*. The installer will copy files and configure the system, which may take several minutes.
**Step 11: Reboot After Installation**
Once installation completes, reboot the system and remove the installation USB to boot from the newly installed AlmaLinux 9 system.
This process mirrors typical enterprise Linux installation workflows and is similar to CentOS/Rocky Linux installations. Although there is not a direct AlmaLinux 9 installation guide, AlmaLinux installation follows the same approach as CentOS Stream 10 or Rocky Linux 10, both of which are RHEL derivatives and share the Anaconda installer environment.
After installation, you can explore the AlmaLinux repositories for available software and seek community support on the official AlmaLinux forums or documentation. Post-installation steps include setting the root password, creating a non-root user account, and updating the system. At least 20GB of free disk space is required for the installation (more is recommended for production use), and a computer with at least 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended for GUI installations) is needed. For most users, "Automatic" partitioning is sufficient.
Common issues during installation include boot media not being recognized, network not being detected, partitioning errors, and package installation failures. To troubleshoot these issues, you can check BIOS/UEFI settings, network connections, partitioning, and installation media. The Installation Summary screen provides an overview of various installation options. Additional software packages can be chosen during the installation process if needed.
In the installation process of AlmaLinux 9, after configuring the network connection, you can access the internet to download essential data such as software updates and new applications. Once the system is installed, you can manage the system, install additional software, and seek community support using various network technology tools.
