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Installing Oracle Linux 9: A Step-by-Step Guide from a Seasoned Pro

Oracle Linux 9, built on the resilient foundation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), is a powerhouse operating system designed for enterprise-grade workloads. Installing it is simpler than you might think, even if you’re not a seasoned sysadmin. This guide will walk you through the process, providing insights and best practices gleaned from years of working with Oracle Linux in production environments.

Essentially, installing Oracle Linux 9 involves downloading the ISO image, creating bootable media, configuring your system to boot from that media, and then navigating the installation wizard. Let’s delve into each step.

Step 1: Downloading the Oracle Linux 9 ISO Image

First, you need to obtain the Oracle Linux 9 ISO image. You can download it from the Oracle Software Delivery Cloud. Be sure to have an Oracle account ready, as you’ll need it to access the downloads. Choose the appropriate ISO based on your architecture (typically x86_64). Opt for the full installation ISO rather than the boot ISO unless you intend to perform a network installation. Verify the downloaded image by comparing its checksum (SHA256) against the value provided on the download page. This ensures the integrity of the downloaded file.

Step 2: Creating Bootable Media

Next, transform that ISO image into bootable media, such as a USB drive or DVD. This will be used to start the installation process.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

For a USB drive, you’ll need a tool like Rufus (Windows), Etcher (cross-platform), or the dd command (Linux). I highly recommend Etcher for its ease of use and cross-platform compatibility.

Download and install your chosen tool.
Insert your USB drive (make sure it’s at least 8 GB).
Select the Oracle Linux 9 ISO image.
Choose your USB drive as the target.
Start the flashing process. Warning: This will erase all data on the USB drive!

Burning a DVD

If you prefer a DVD, use your operating system’s built-in DVD burning software or a third-party application like ImgBurn (Windows) or K3b (Linux).

Insert a blank DVD.
Select the Oracle Linux 9 ISO image.
Start the burning process.

Step 3: Booting from the Installation Media

Now comes the crucial step of booting your system from the created media. This usually involves changing the boot order in your BIOS or UEFI settings.

Restart your computer.
As your computer starts, look for a message indicating the key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc).
Navigate to the Boot section.
Change the boot order to prioritize your USB drive or DVD drive.
Save the changes and exit. Your computer should now boot from the Oracle Linux 9 installation media.

Step 4: Navigating the Installation Wizard

Once your system boots from the installation media, you’ll be greeted with the Anaconda installer, Oracle Linux’s installation wizard.

Initial Options

Test this media & install Oracle Linux 9: This option verifies the integrity of the installation media before proceeding. It’s recommended, but optional.
Install Oracle Linux 9: This directly starts the installation process.

Language and Keyboard Selection

Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout.

Installation Summary

This is the heart of the installation process. Here, you’ll configure:

Time & Date: Set your timezone and date/time settings.
Keyboard: As mentioned before, select the keyboard layout.
Language Support: Add additional language support, if needed.
Installation Source: This should automatically detect your installation media. If not, you can manually specify it.
Software Selection: Choose the Base Environment. For a server, “Server with GUI” or “Minimal Install” are common choices. The “Minimal Install” option provides a bare-bones system, which can be customized later. Also, select any additional software you require from the Add-ons.
Installation Destination: This is where you configure your disk partitioning.
- Automatic: The installer will automatically partition your disk. This is simpler but offers less control.
- Custom: This allows you to create your own partitions. This is recommended for more advanced users and provides greater flexibility. You’ll need to create at least the following partitions: /boot, /, and swap. Consider a separate /home partition for user data. Use LVM (Logical Volume Management) for greater flexibility in managing disk space.
Network & Hostname: Configure your network settings and set the hostname of your system. You can configure a static IP address or use DHCP.
Security Policy: Apply a security policy if required.

User Settings

Root Password: Set a strong password for the root user. This is the administrator account.
Create User: Create a regular user account. It’s highly recommended to avoid logging in as root directly.

Begin Installation

Once you’ve configured all the settings, click “Begin Installation”. The installation process will start, and you can monitor its progress.

Reboot

After the installation completes, click “Reboot”. Your system will restart, and you should be able to log in to your newly installed Oracle Linux 9 system.

Step 5: Post-Installation Configuration

After the reboot, there are a few things you should do:

Update the system: Run sudo dnf update to install the latest updates and security patches.
Configure network settings: If you used DHCP during installation, you may want to configure a static IP address now.
Install any additional software: Install any additional software you need, such as web servers, databases, or development tools.
Enable the Oracle Linux yum repository: This ensures that you get access to Oracle’s specific patches and updates.
Configure SSH access: Enable SSH access for remote administration, but be sure to harden it by disabling password authentication and using key-based authentication.

Oracle Linux 9 FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about installing Oracle Linux 9:

Can I install Oracle Linux 9 alongside Windows?
Yes, you can dual-boot Oracle Linux 9 with Windows. You’ll need to create separate partitions for each operating system during the installation process. Make sure to install Windows first, then Oracle Linux. The bootloader will then allow you to choose which OS to boot.
What are the minimum system requirements for Oracle Linux 9?
The minimum system requirements are: 2 GB RAM, 20 GB disk space, and a 64-bit (x86_64) processor. However, I recommend at least 4 GB RAM and 40 GB disk space for a better experience.
What is ULN and how do I register my Oracle Linux 9 system?
ULN (Unbreakable Linux Network) is Oracle’s support network. Registering your system with ULN provides access to exclusive updates, patches, and support. You can register using the uln_register command. Requires a valid Oracle support subscription.
How do I enable the Oracle Linux yum repository?
The Oracle Linux yum repository is usually configured during installation. If not, you can manually configure it by creating the /etc/yum.repos.d/oraclelinux.repo file with the appropriate repository configuration. Oracle provides detailed instructions on their website.
Can I install Oracle Linux 9 on a virtual machine?
Absolutely! Installing on a virtual machine (VM) is a common practice. You can use virtualization software like VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, or KVM. The installation process is essentially the same as on a physical machine. Make sure the VM has sufficient resources (RAM, CPU, disk space).
What is the difference between Oracle Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)?
Oracle Linux is derived from RHEL, providing binary compatibility. This means that software built for RHEL generally runs on Oracle Linux without modification. Oracle Linux includes the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK), which is optimized for Oracle workloads. Oracle also offers different support options and pricing.
What is the default desktop environment in Oracle Linux 9?
The default desktop environment is GNOME. However, you can choose other desktop environments during the installation process or install them later.
How do I install the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) if I didn’t choose it during installation?
You can install the UEK using the dnf package manager: sudo dnf install kernel-uek. After installation, update your bootloader to boot from the UEK kernel.
How do I configure a firewall in Oracle Linux 9?
Oracle Linux 9 uses firewalld as the default firewall management tool. You can use the firewall-cmd command-line utility or the firewall-config GUI tool to configure the firewall rules.
How do I enable SSH access in Oracle Linux 9?
SSH is usually enabled by default. You can verify its status using sudo systemctl status sshd. If it’s not running, start it with sudo systemctl start sshd and enable it to start on boot with sudo systemctl enable sshd. Remember to harden your SSH configuration for security.
How to troubleshoot network configuration issues? The first step is to check if the network interface is active by running the command: ip addr. If your interface is not active, you can try bringing it up by running the command: sudo ip link set <interface_name> up. You can also check the configurations file at /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-<interface_name>.
What is the best method to automate Oracle Linux installation process?
Kickstart files are the best method to automate the installation process. A Kickstart file is a configuration file that contains all the answers to the questions asked during a typical installation. The installer reads this file and installs the system according to the specifications in the file.

By following these steps and understanding the nuances, you’ll be well on your way to running Oracle Linux 9 and reaping its benefits for your enterprise applications. Remember to consult the official Oracle Linux documentation for the most up-to-date information and best practices. Good luck!