How to Install Fedora Server: A Step-by-Step Guide
Fedora Server is a powerful, open-source Linux distribution that provides a solid foundation for server deployments. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the installation process for Fedora Server.
Note: We are installing this on VMware. This same process will also work on a real server.
Prerequisites:
- A system with at least 2GB RAM and 20GB disk space
- A bootable USB drive with Fedora Server ISO
- A stable internet connection (optional)
Step 1: Download Fedora Server ISO and Fedora Media Writer:
Visit the official Fedora website and download the latest Fedora Server ISO and Fedora Media Writer.
For Fedora Media Writer:
Download the Fedora Media Writer software from Fedora website.
Create a Bootable USB using Fedora Media Writer (recommended):
Install the Fedora Media Writer and open it. Select .iso file and click Next.
Click on Select and select the ISO file which you have downloaded. Your USB drive will show on USB Drive section. Click on Write.
Boot from USB:
Restart your system and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. Change the boot order to prioritize USB.
We are installing this Virtually on VMware. So we do not need any bootable USB drive. In real server you will need a bootable USB drive for installation.
Note: Start from step 3 if you are planning to install the Fedora on a real server.
Step 2: Prepare the VMware:
Open VMware and click on New. Click on Next.
Click on Browse and select your OS ISO file which you have downloaded. Click Next.
You can put any name you want. In location section you can select the location where your OS will store. You can select any location and then click Next.
Select the disk size you want. 20GB is recommended. Keep the option “Split virtual disk into multiple files” as it is and click Next.
In here you can customize hardware like RAM, CPU, Hard disk, Network etc. Click on “customize hardware” to customize hardware requirements or click on Finish.
In Customize Hardware section you can set your requirements as per your needs like how much RAM require, CPU core etc.
Another configuration you may need but it is optional. The option is Network Adapter.
Lets assume your computer is connected via a router. If you select Bridged option then this virtual machine (Fedora) will get the IP address directly from your router. If you select NAT option then the virtual machine will get Internet from your computer. I recommended to use Bridged option.
Now start the virtual machine.
Step 3: Start Fedora Server Installation:
Select the Install option using your key board. (From here the installation process is same if you install on virtual machine or on a real server)
Select the language and click continue. (I have selected English- India but you can select English – United Kingdom)
In this section we need to do make changes on the following:
- Installation Destination
- Software Selection
- Network & Host Name
- Time & Date (optional but change it if require)
Click on Installation Destination and click on Done. Keep the other options as it is.
Click on software selection. Make sure the “Fedora Server Edition” is selected. Other options will be unchecked and click on Done.
Click on Network & Hostname and select configure. We need to setup IP address here. It is recommended to configure the IP address at the time of installation.
On the Network & Host Name section, select the IPv4 then Manual. Now click on add and put your IP,DNS etc.
Note: If the virtual machine connected via router then you can select the Method Automatic instead of Manual.
Also make sure this “Connect automatically with..” is selected. Now click on save.
Make sure to turn on this button.
Now wee need to create/enable user. By default root account is disabled.
If you enable root account then provide a strong password and click on done.
Click on User Creation. Put a user name and strong password then click on Done.
Now we can start the installation. Click on Begin Installation.
You will see something like this. It may take some time.
It will show Reboot System when the installation is complete.
Note: If you are installing on a real server then remove the USB drive and reboot.
You will see a login page like this after reboot. Login using your user name and password.
Post-Installation Setup:
Update your server using: sudo dnf update -y
Conclusion:
Fedora Server is now installed and ready to use! You can configure additional services like Apache, Nginx, or Docker depending on your needs. Stay updated with Fedora’s official documentation for further customization.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions!
