Lecture Notes: Installing Debian 12 Bookworm

Downloading Debian 12 Bookworm

• Go to the Debian website.
• Find and click the 'Download' button.
• The download should start automatically. If not, select 'Debian 12 AMD 64 net install'.
• Save the image file.

Creating a Bootable Disk

Using Balena Etcher

• Download and launch Balena Etcher (available on Linux, Mac, Windows).
• **Steps in Balena Etcher: **
  1. Open Balena Etcher.
  2. Select the downloaded Debian image file.
  3. Choose the USB/CD/DVD for flashing.
  4. Click 'Flash' and grant administrative privileges if prompted.
  5. Wait for the flashing process to complete.
• Alternatives: Use applications like UNetbootin or Rufus.

Booting from the USB

• Insert the flashed USB into the target computer.
• Enter BIOS (keys may vary: F2, F8, F12) to set boot priority.
• In BIOS:
  • Set USB/CD/DVD as the first boot option.
  • Disable 'Secure Boot' and 'Fast Boot' if needed.

Installing Debian 12

1. Graphical Install:

   • Select 'Graphical Install' from the boot menu.
   • Choose preferred language, location, and keyboard.

2. Network Configuration:

   • Ensure internet connection is active.
   • Enter hostname and (optionally) domain name.

3. User and Passwords:

   • Either configure a root user or allow the initial user to use 'sudo' by leaving the root password empty.
   • Create a user account with a username and password.

4. Clock and Timezone:

   • Configure clock settings and select a timezone.

5. Disk Partitioning:

   • Select 'Guided - use entire disk'.
   • Choose the disk for installation (ensure it’s the correct one to avoid data loss).
   • Opt for a partitioning scheme. New users should use one partition for all files.
   • Confirm changes and write to disk.

6. Base System Installation:

   • Wait for the base system to be installed.

7. Package Manager Configuration:

   • Insert additional installation media if prompted.
   • Select the nearest mirror and configure the package manager.
   • Decide on participating in the package use survey.

8. Software Selection:

   • Choose desktop environment (default is GNOME).
   • Select additional utilities if needed.

9. Installing GRUB Bootloader:

   • Install GRUB and select the installation drive for the bootloader.

Post-Installation

• Remove the installation USB.
• Ensure BIOS boot priority is correct (disk with Debian first).
• Boot into the new Debian system.

Troubleshooting

• If issues persist, double-check BIOS settings and configuration.

Additional Learning Resources

• For more help and community support, join the Discord server.
• Access learning materials on Linux topics: SavvyNic Linux Learning.

Conclusion

• Follow these steps to successfully install Debian 12 Bookworm.
• Enjoy using your new Debian system!