Ubuntu Server is a Debian-based distribution crafted to perfection and engineered to define the unwritten laws of server-oriented systems.
Availability, supported platforms, boot options
The project is distributed as multiple ISO images that can be written to USB flash drives or CD discs. These bootable medium can be later used to turn personal computers into powerful and unstoppable server systems.
Among the supported hardware platforms, we can mention 32-bit (i386), 64-bit (amd64), 64-bit Mac (amd64 for Macintosh systems), PowerPC (PPC), as well as PowerPC64 (PPC64) Little Endian.
From the boot prompt, users can install the Ubuntu Server operating system on a single machine, as well as on multiple server systems simultaneously, using Canonical’s MAAS (Metal as a Service) project.
In addition, you can use the ISO images to rescue a broken operating system, boot an existing OS installed on the first disk drive, run a memory diagnostic test, as well as to check the disc for defects (only if using a CD media).
Straightforward installation procedure
Installing Ubuntu Server on a single machine, using the first option on the boot installer is quite easy and straightforward, as you will need to select your favorite language for the installation process, select your location, configure the keyboard, set up the network, add a new user, and configure the home directory.
In addition, you must partition the disk drive(s), configure the package manager, set up tasksel to automatically or manually install updates, as well as to manage the system with Canonical’s Landscape service, and choose which server packages to install.
Bottom line
In conclusion, Ubuntu Server is an astonishing product that provides users with one of the best and easy to install server operating systems that use the stable and reliable base of the award winning Debian GNU/Linux distribution.
