How to install Rocky Linux 8
Rocky Linux is an open-source enterprise OS designed to be “100% bug-for-bug” compatible with RHEL. It is helpful on both servers and workstations. It was created to replace CentOS, as RedHat has discontinued it.
Rocky Linux 8 works well on both servers and workstations. So if you’re itching to try out the latest release, follow this guide, and we’ll show you how to install Rocky Linux 8 on your system.
Downloading Rocky Linux 8
Rocky Linux is downloadable in two editions: Minimal and DVD. Each ISO has strengths and weaknesses. However, both of them deliver the same core Rocky Linux experience.
The Minimal edition, once installed, gives you a bare, command-line only installation of Rocky Linux 8, which is excellent for those who don’t need a lot of packages. On the other hand, the DVD release offers many packages and is the best way to go if you plan to use Rocky as a workstation OS or want to install many applications on your server OS.
Decide what edition works for you by heading over to rockylinux.org/download. Additionally, it is possible to download a Boot ISO, which is helpful, though, it will not be covered in this guide.
Creating a Rocky Linux 8 installation USB
If you plan to install Rocky Linux 8 on a physical computer or server, you need a bootable installation USB. There are many ways to create a bootable USB. However, in this guide, we’ll focus on the Etcher app.
Why Etcher? It is a cross-platform utility. It has the same UI on Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. So, no matter what computer you create your Rocky Linux installation USB, the instructions are the same.
Note: If you plan to use Rocky Linux 8 as a VM in VMWare, VirtualBox, KVM, etc., you will not need to make an installation USB. Instead, download the ISO file, create your VM, and skip to the installation portion of this guide.
To start, head over to etcher.io. Once you’ve made it to the website, download the Etcher app to your computer. Then, launch it, start it up, and follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Step 1: Find the “Flash from file” button and click on it with the mouse. Then, use the pop-up window and browse for the Rocky Linux ISO file you downloaded previously.
Step 2: Find the “Select target” button and click on it with the mouse. Upon selecting this button, choose your USB flash drive to install the Rocky Linux ISO file.
Step 3: Find the “Flash!” button and click on it with the mouse to start the flashing process. This process may take a while, mainly if you chose the DVD release.
When the flashing process is finished, reboot your computer or server, and load up the BIOS. Next, configure your computer or server to boot from USB to start the installation process.
Installing Rocky Linux 8
To install Rocky Linux 8 on your computer or server, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Step 1: Read the “Welcome to Rocky Linux 8” message screen. Then, find your language and select it with the mouse. Click on the “Continue” button to move to the next page.
Step 2: On the next page, you will see the “Installation Summary.” Look for “Installation Destination” and click on the complex drive icon. You’ll then be taken to a “Device Selection” area.
Step 3: Select the hard drive you wish to install Rocky Linux 8. Select “Automatic” for “Storage Configuration.” Alternatively, select the “Custom” option to set up a custom partition if you are an expert.
Select “Done” when you’ve finished selecting your storage device to return to the “Installation Summary” window.
Step 4: Find the “Root Password” section under “User Settings” and click on it with the mouse. Enter in a secure, memorable password. Then, click on “User Creation” in the “Installation Summary” area.
Step 5: After selecting the “User Creation” button, use the UI to create a new user for your Rocky Linux system. Be sure to use a password that is memorable and secure.
Step 6: Find the “Software Selection” button, and click on it with the mouse. By default, it is set to “Server with GUI.” There are other options to choose from, such as “Server,” “Minimal install,” “Workstation,” “Custom Operating System,” or “Virtualization host.
Make your selection. Then, look through the “Additional software for Selected Environment” to choose packages to install. When done, select the “Done” button.
Step 7: On the “Installation Summary” screen, find “Network & Hostname” and click on it. Then, change “localhost.localdomain” with your desired computer hostname. Click “Done” when done.
Step 8: Find the “Begin Installation” button and select it to start the Rocky Linux 8 installation process. The installation process should take some time, as there may be a lot of packages to install.
When the installation process is complete, unplug the USB. Then, reboot the PC or server to access your new installation of Rocky Linux.
