Lab—Installing Linux for OpenSER

All of these labs were prepared using a VMware virtual machine with Debian Etch 4.0 installed. We have used as the Linux distro the Debian Etch, which can be downloaded from:

http://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/4.0_r0/i386/

Step 1: Insert the CD and boot the computer using the Debian Etch 4.0 CD. Press ENTER to start the installation.

In this screen, you can also select boot and installation options. Sometimes you will need to choose some hardware-specific parameters for your installation. Press F1 for help if needed.

Step 2: Choose a language.

Choose the language of your preference for the use in the installation process.

Step 3: Choose the keyboard layout.

It is very common to have to choose a keyboard layout, mainly in European and Asian countries.

Step 4: Choose the Hostname.

Choose the name of the server. It is important because later you will use this name to access the server.

Step 5: Choose your Domain name.

The domain name is obvious, but important, because OpenSER use domains to distinguish users, so be sure to anwer correctly this screen.

Step 6: Choose a Partitioning method.

We could write a whole chapter about partitioning. Linux geeks, certainly, will use the manual option. For the purposes of learning, you can simply use entire disk. Consult a Linux specialist for the best partioning scheme for your server.

Step 7: Select disk to partition.

Now, just select the disk being used to install Linux.

Step 8: Select all files in one partition.

Again, you can choose how to partition the system. Let's stick with the default installation again. Some advanced users may want to change it a bit.

Step 9: Finish the partition changes to disk.

Now, just finish the partitioning step and write changes to the disk. Never do it if you want to preserve your disk. After the partitioning, all the pre-existing content of the disk will be erased. So do it wisely. I used VMWare to test OpenSER; it is free and creates a virtual machine, where I can work safely.

Step 10: Write changes to the disk.

Now, it comes to the scary part. Confirm that you want to erase all the content of the disk. Well, think twice, or even three times before saying "Yes".

Step 11: Configure the time zone.

Select the time zone. It is important to have the correct time zone, mainly for reports. If you don't do it correctly, you will end up with voicemail messages with the wrong time.

Step 12: Set the Root password to "openser".

Choose a password for your root user. This is the most important password on the system.

Step 13: Re-enter password to verify.

Please, re-enter the password for confirmation purposes. Try to use a password hard to crack (8 characters minimum, letters, numbers, and some kind of special character such as "*"or "#").

Step 14: Enter the full name for the user account as "openser".

Some systems require you to create at least one user. Let's do it, starting with the full user name.

Step 15: Enter the user name for user account as "openser".

Now the name used to log on the user on the system.

Step 16: Enter the password for the user account "openser" and re-enter to confirm.

Enter the password and confirm it. Again, try to use a password hard to crack.

Step 17: Configure the package manager. Select Yes to use a mirror.

During the process of installation, we will use several packages distributed by Debian.

Step 18: Select a mirror country.

This screen will allow you to select from where you will download the packages.

Step 19: Select ftp.debian.org or your preferred mirror.

Select the nearest one to speed up the download of the packages.

Step 20: Leave the HTTP proxy blank or fill with the appropriate parameters if you use an HTTP proxy.

If you use an HTTP proxy such as Squid or Microsoft ISA Server, please fill in the appropriate parameters to allow internet access for the downloads.

Step 21: Select Yes if you want to to participate in the package popularity survey, or No if you don't.

The popularity package survey generates statistics about the most downloaded packages.

Step 22: Select Standard system.

Debian comes in several pre-defined installations such as Desktop. The desktop installation, as an example installs a GUI for Linux such as GNOME or KDE. We don't need this for our installation. So please choose just Standard system. Later we will install manually components such as the Web Server, Mail Server, and SQL Database.

Step 23: Select Yes to install the GRUB boot loader.

GRUB is a boot load manager for your server. It allows you to dual boot systems and to do some tricks during the boot process.

Step 24: Finish the installation.

Finish the installation and boot the system.

The system will reboot automatically.

Step 25: Just after the reboot install SSH.

apt-get install ssh