Install Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS in Under 10 Minutes

In this guide, I will show you how to install the latest Ubuntu Server 24.04 Long Term Support (LTS) edition on a virtual machine. This tutorial includes downloading the ISO, configuring the VM hardware, setting a static IP during installation, and performing the initial system update.

Step 1: Download the ISO and Create VM

First, navigate to the official ubuntu.com website and download the Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS ISO file (approx. 2.2 GB).

VMware Configuration

Open VMware Workstation (or your preferred hypervisor).
Select "Create a New Virtual Machine".
Choose "I will install the operating system later" to avoid the easy install wizard, which can sometimes limit configuration options.
Select Linux and version Ubuntu 64-bit.
Name your VM (e.g., Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS).
Disk Size: 20 GB (Single file is recommended for performance).
Hardware: 4 GB RAM, 2 Processor Cores.
Network: Select NAT or Bridged depending on your network needs.
Mount the downloaded ISO file to the CD/DVD drive.

Step 2: Installation Process

Start the VM and select "Try or Install Ubuntu Server". Follow the text-based wizard:

Language: Select English (or your preferred language).
Keyboard: Select your layout (e.g., Swedish).
Install Type: Ubuntu Server (default).

Setting a Static IP

During the network configuration step, you can switch from DHCP to a static IP:

Select the network interface (e.g., eth0) and choose "Edit IPv4".
Change from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
Subnet: Enter your subnet (e.g., 10.0.0.0/24).
Address: Enter your desired static IP (e.g., 10.0.0.52).
Gateway: Enter your gateway IP (e.g., 10.0.0.1).
Name Servers: Enter DNS servers (e.g., 10.0.0.1, 8.8.8.8).

Disk and User Setup

Uncheck LVM encryption unless required. Use the entire disk for installation. Confirm the partition layout and select "Continue" to erase the disk.

Enter your name, server name (hostname), username, and password. You can choose to skip Ubuntu Pro for now.

Recommendation: Ensure you check the box to Install OpenSSH server so you can connect remotely via SSH later.

Step 3: First Login and Updates

Once the installation finishes, reboot the server and log in with your created credentials.

Verify Network

Check your IP address to confirm the static IP configuration:

ip a | grep inet

Test connectivity by pinging an external site:

ping google.com

Update the System

It is best practice to update the package repository and upgrade installed packages immediately:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

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