Installation

1. Preparing to Install
This section explains various aspects to consider before starting the installation.

1.1. System Requirements

Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Server Edition supports four (4) major architectures: AMD64, ARM, POWER8,
LinuxONE and z Systems (although this manual does not cover installation on LinuxONE or z Systems, see
the dedicated guide2 for that).

Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS introduces a new installer, the "live server" installer (sometimes called "Ubiquity
for Servers" or simply "subiquity") which provides a more user friendly and faster installation experience.
At the time of writing it only supports amd64 processors and does not support LVM or RAID or other more
sophisticated storage options, nor does it support reusing existing partitions on the disks of the system you are
installing. It also requires access to the Ubuntu archive, possibly via a proxy. The previous, debian-installer
based, installer is still available if these restrictions mean you can't use the live server installer.

The table below lists recommended hardware specifications. Depending on your needs, you might manage
with less than this. However, most users risk being frustrated if they ignore these suggestions.

Table 2.1. Recommended Minimum Requirements

Hard Drive Space

Install Type Install Method CPU RAM
Base System All Tasks Installed
Server debian-installer 1 gigahertz 512 megabytes 1.5 gigabyte 2.5 gigabytes
(Standard) live server 1 gigahertz 1 gigabyte 1.5 gigabyte n/a
(amd64 only)
Server debian-installer 300 megahertz 384 megabytes 1.5 gigabytes 2.5 gigabytes
(Minimal)

The Server Edition provides a common base for all sorts of server applications. It is a minimalist design
providing a platform for the desired services, such as file/print services, web hosting, email hosting, etc.

1.2. Server and Desktop Differences

There are a few differences between the Ubuntu Server Edition and the Ubuntu Desktop Edition. It should be
noted that both editions use the same apt repositories, making it just as easy to install a server application on
the Desktop Edition as it is on the Server Edition.

The differences between the two editions are the lack of an X window environment in the Server Edition and
the installation process.

2 https://wiki.ubuntu.com/S390X/InstallationGuide