How to Install AlmaLinux 9 Step by Step?

AlmaLinux is a free and open-source Linux distribution designed as a community-driven alternative to CentOS. As a Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) fork, it offers stability, reliability, and compatibility with enterprise Linux environments. This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step walkthrough for installing AlmaLinux 9, from downloading the ISO image to configuring your new system.

Download AlmaLinux 9 ISO

Visit the official AlmaLinux website at https://almalinux.org and navigate to the downloads section. Choose the appropriate ISO image based on your system's architecture (64-bit recommended) and download it to your local machine.

Create a Bootable USB Drive

Create a bootable USB drive using the downloaded ISO file. You can use various tools such as Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher (cross-platform). Ensure your USB drive has at least 8GB of storage space.

Configure BIOS/UEFI Settings

Enter your system's BIOS or UEFI by pressing the designated key during startup (commonly F2, F10, F12, or DEL). Navigate to the boot options and set your USB drive as the first boot device. Save the settings and restart your computer.

Boot from USB Drive

Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer and start it up. The AlmaLinux 9 installer will load automatically, presenting you with the installation menu.

Choose Installation Language and Keyboard Layout

Select your preferred language from the list and click Continue. On the next screen, choose your keyboard layout and click Done.

Configure Installation Settings

The Installation Summary screen displays several configuration options. Click on each to configure

• Time & Date Set your timezone and enable network time synchronization for accurate system time.

• Software Selection Choose the software packages to install. Server with GUI is recommended for desktop users.

• Installation Destination Select the storage device where AlmaLinux 9 will be installed.

Configure Partition Layout

In the Installation Destination screen, you can choose automatic partitioning or select Custom for manual control. For custom partitioning, create the necessary partitions

• Root partition (/) At least 20GB for the system files

• Swap partition Typically 1-2 times your RAM size

• Home partition (/home) Optional, for user data separation

Configure Networking and Security

Navigate to Network & Hostname and enable your network connection. Set a descriptive hostname for your system. Configure the Root Password with a strong password, and create a user account with administrative privileges.

Begin Installation

After configuring all settings, click Begin Installation to start the process. The installer will copy files and install selected packages. This typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on your hardware and selected software.

Complete Installation and Reboot

Once installation completes, click Reboot. Remove the USB drive and boot into your new AlmaLinux 9 system. Log in using the credentials created during installation.

Post-Installation Configuration

System Updates

Keep your system secure by installing the latest updates

sudo dnf update -y

Enable Additional Repositories

Enable the EPEL repository for access to additional software packages

sudo dnf install epel-release -y

Install Essential Software

Install commonly needed applications

sudo dnf install vlc libreoffice gimp -y

Configure Firewall

AlmaLinux includes firewalld for network security. Enable web services if needed

sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=http
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=https
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Enable Automatic Updates

Configure automatic security updates for better system maintenance

sudo dnf install dnf-automatic -y
sudo systemctl enable --now dnf-automatic.timer

System Monitoring Tools

Install monitoring utilities to track system performance

sudo dnf install htop glances -y

SELinux Configuration

Verify SELinux status for enhanced security

sestatus

SELinux should be enabled by default in enforcing mode for optimal security.

Conclusion

You have successfully installed AlmaLinux 9, a stable and enterprise-ready Linux distribution. With its community-driven development and RHEL compatibility, AlmaLinux provides an excellent foundation for both desktop and server environments. Regular updates and proper configuration ensure a secure and efficient system for your computing needs.