Part 1: Install Linux
5. First login#
What you'll do: log in at the server's own keyboard once, check it works, and install a few basic tools. Time: 15 minutes. This is the last time you need the server's keyboard and screen.
Step 1: Log in#
The screen shows:
Debian GNU/Linux 13 homeserver tty1
homeserver login:
- Type your username (e.g.
alex) and press Enter. - Type your password and press Enter.
Nothing appears when I type the password!
That's normal. Linux shows no dots or stars for passwords. Type it and press Enter.
You're in when you see:
Step 2: Check you are an administrator#
sudo -v
Type your password. No message = success. If it says "alex is not in the sudoers file", you set a root password in Screen 6. See Troubleshooting.
Step 3: Check the basics#
ip -brief address
Look for a line with UP and an address like 192.168.1.50/24. Write that address in your notebook (without the /24).
systemctl is-active ssh
It should say active. That means the remote-control service is running.
Step 4: Update and install useful tools#
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Answer Y if asked. Then:
sudo apt install curl nano htop avahi-daemon
| Tool | What it's for |
|---|---|
curl |
downloads things (used in Chapter 14) |
nano |
simple text editor |
htop |
shows CPU and memory use. Try it; press Q to quit |
avahi-daemon |
lets you reach the server by name (homeserver.local) instead of numbers |
Done when:
-
sudo -vgives no error - You wrote down the server's address
-
systemctl is-active sshsaysactive
From now on, you'll control the server from your other computer. You can unplug its screen and keyboard.