How to Install Debian 12/10 Server

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Debian is a reliable and secure Linux operating system, perfect for server environments. This guide will walk you through installing a minimal Debian 12 or Debian 10 server, ensuring a lightweight and customizable setup for your needs.

System Requirements

Minimum:

  • RAM: 512MB
  • Processor: 1GHz Pentium
  • Hard Drive: 10GB

Recommended for better performance:

  • RAM: 2GB or more
  • Sufficient storage based on workload

Step 1: Download Debian 12/10 ISO

Visit the official Debian website to download the latest netinstall ISO image:
Debian Download Page

Choose the appropriate version:

  • For 64-bit systems: debian-12.1.0-amd64-netinst.iso
  • For 32-bit systems: debian-12.1.0-i386-netinst.iso

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Once the ISO image is downloaded, create a bootable USB drive using one of these tools:

  • Windows: Use Rufus
  • Linux/Mac: Use Etcher or dd command

Step 3: Boot from USB & Start Installation

  1. Insert the bootable USB and restart your system.
  2. Enter BIOS settings (press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during boot).
  3. Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
  4. Save changes and restart.

When the Debian installation menu appears:

  • Select “Install” and press Enter.

Step 4: Configure Installation Settings

Select Language, Location & Keyboard Layout

  1. Choose your preferred language.
  2. Select your country and time zone.
  3. Choose your keyboard layout.

Step 5: Configure Network & User Accounts

Set Up Hostname & Domain Name

  1. Enter a hostname (e.g., debian-server).
  2. Enter a domain name (optional, e.g., example.com).

Create Users & Set Passwords

  1. Set a root password.
  2. Create a new user with a strong password.

Step 6: Partition the Disk

Manual Partitioning (Recommended for Servers)

  1. Select Manual Partitioning.
  2. Choose the disk to partition and create:
    • Swap Partition (2-4GB)
    • Root Partition (/) (minimum 10GB, use Ext4)
    • Home Partition (/home) (optional for user data)
  3. Finish partitioning and write changes to disk.

Step 7: Install the Base System

  1. The installer will begin copying system files.
  2. Configure the package manager (skip CD-ROM scanning).
  3. Choose a Debian mirror for package updates.
  4. Decide whether to participate in the package usage survey.
  5. Select Standard System Utilities for essential tools.

Step 8: Install GRUB Bootloader & Complete Installation

  1. Select “Yes” to install the GRUB bootloader.
  2. Choose the primary disk for bootloader installation.
  3. Once installation is complete, remove the USB drive and reboot.

Step 9: First Boot & Post-Installation Setup

  1. Log in with your new user account.
  2. Update system packages:
    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
  3. Install essential tools:
    sudo apt install wget curl vim net-tools -y

Conclusion

Your Debian 12/10 server is now successfully installed and ready for customization. You can now set up a web server, database server, or any application based on your requirements.

For further configuration, check:

  • Apache/Nginx Web Server Setup
  • MySQL/PostgreSQL Database Setup
  • Firewall & Security Hardening

Enjoy your Debian server! 🚀

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