Oracle Linux Basic Administration Series - Part 1 - How to Install Oracle Linux Step-by-Step

Oracle Linux is a enterprise-grade operating system based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It’s free to download and use, and it’s optimized for Oracle products — but you can use it for any Linux server or lab setup.

In this blog, we’ll go through how to install Oracle Linux on your system or virtual machine. By the end, you’ll have a fully installed OS ready for administration.

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you have:

• A 64-bit system (Intel/AMD or a VM environment)

• At least 2 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended)

• 20 GB of disk space

• Internet access (for updates)

• Oracle Linux ISO file

Step 1: Download Oracle Linux ISO

• Go to the official Oracle Linux download page

  https://linux.oracle.com/downloads

• Choose the latest release (e.g., Oracle Linux 9.x).Download the Full ISO for installation.

• Save the .iso file to your system.

Step 2: Create Bootable Installation Media

If you’re installing on a physical machine:

• Use a tool like Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher (cross-platform).

• Insert a USB drive (minimum 8 GB).

• Select the ISO, choose your USB, and click Start.

  
  

If you’re installing in a virtual machine (e.g., VirtualBox, VMware, KVM):

• Create a new VM.

• Assign 2 CPUs, 4 GB RAM, and 20 GB disk.

• Mount the Oracle Linux ISO as the virtual CD/DVD.

  
  

Step 3: Boot from the ISO

1. Start your machine or VM.

2. At the boot menu, choose:

   Install Oracle Linux 9.x

3. Press Enter.

   
   

Step 4: Choose Installation Language

• Select your preferred language and keyboard layout.

Click Continue.

Step 5: Installation Summary

You’ll now see several options to configure before installation begins.

Localization

• Set Date & Time (choose your region and enable NTP if connected to the internet).

Software

• Under Software Selection, choose Server with GUI (recommended for beginners).You can choose Minimal Install if you want a lightweight system.

Installation Destination

• Select your disk and choose Automatic partitioning.(Advanced users can do manual LVM or custom partitions later.)

Network & Hostname

• Turn ON your network interface.

• Set your hostname (e.g., oraclelinux.localdomain).

Step 6: Begin Installation

1. Click Begin Installation.

2. Set:

   • Root Password

   • Create User Account

3. Wait for installation to complete.

Step 7: Reboot and Login

Once installation is complete:

• Click Reboot System.

• Remove the installation media

• Login with your user account or root.

Step 8: Post-Installation Tasks

Update your system packages:

sudo dnf update -y

Check system info:

cat /etc/os-release

Conclusion

You’ve successfully installed Oracle Linux!

The system is now ready for configuration and administration.

In the next post, we’ll learn how to manage software packages using DNF (YUM) — a fundamental skill for keeping your system updated and installing tools safely.