How to Set Up Ubuntu 24.04 on an OVH Server

Learn how to set up Ubuntu 24.04 on an OVH server. Our OVH Support team is ready to assist with any queries or concerns.

How to Set Up Ubuntu 24.04 on an OVH Server

Setting up Ubuntu 24.04 on an OVH server is a popular choice for web hosting, application deployment, or building a secure development environment. OVH’s control panel and automated OS installation simplify the process for both beginners and advanced users.

Today, we will explore provisioning the server, customizing partitions, and installing Ubuntu 24.04.

Before We Begin

Before diving in, we need the following:

• An OVH Account
• SSH Client
• SSH Key Pair

If you’re working with DNS for custom domains, you may also find it useful to add DNS records through the OVH API, which allows automation and quick DNS configurations for advanced setups.

Step 1. Access the OVH Server

Once the server is provisioned:

1. First, log in to OVH Control Panel.
2. Then, go to Bare Metal Cloud > Dedicated Servers or VPS, depending on the setup.
3. Click on the server to view the public IP, credentials, and SSH options.

Step 2. Install Ubuntu 24.04

1. Go to the OS Installation or Reinstall section in the control panel.
2. Then, select Ubuntu 24.04 from the list of available distributions.
3. Confirm the choice and let OVH handle the OS installation.

Furthermore, partitioning helps optimize performance and disk usage. OVH offers:

• Automatic Partitioning: Works for most users.
• Custom Partitioning: Ideal for advanced users or specific needs.

In this blog, we’ve selected RAID 0 for maximum storage usage since the server is non-critical.

If you’re setting up a Proxmox virtualization environment instead, check out this guide for installing Proxmox on an OVH dedicated server.

Step 3. Add SSH Key

For secure access, configure SSH:

1. First, generate SSH key pair:
   • Linux/macOS: `ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096`
   • Windows (PowerShell): Same command applies.
2. Paste Public Key in OVH installer. We can find it at `~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub` or use PuTTYgen.
3. Finally, save and proceed. OVH will now use the key for SSH access.

After confirming the OS and partitioning settings, we need to monitor installation progress:

• Watch progress from the OVH control panel.
• Wait for notification when the install completes.
• Note the server’s public IP address for future access.

If you’re planning to use a failover IP for high availability or floating IP setups, you can follow this detailed tutorial on how to configure a failover IP in OVHCloud.

Step 4. Connect to the Server via SSH

1. Launch Terminal or SSH Client.
2. Then, connect using:
   

   ssh ubuntu@Server_IP

3. If key authentication is set correctly, we will log in without a password.
4. Test sudo access:

   sudo su – root

If we prefer a GUI or need desktop tools, we can install Ubuntu Desktop and connect using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

You may also want to learn how to set up OVH failover IP on Ubuntu for advanced networking and resilience strategies.

How to Install Ubuntu 24.04 Locally

1. First, download the ISO.

   wget https://releases.ubuntu.com/noble/ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso
2. Then, create a bootable USB
   • On Ubuntu:

     Open Startup Disk Creator from the Applications menu. Select the downloaded ISO. Then, insert USB, then click Make Startup Disk.
   • On Windows:

     Download Rufus from the official site. Insert USB and open Rufus. Then, select ISO, click Start, and wait for completion.

   To boot and install Ubuntu from USB, reboot the machine with the USB plugged in. Then, enter the boot menu (usually F2, F10, F12, or Esc). Choose the USB device, then Try or Install Ubuntu.

Follow these steps in the Ubuntu Installation Wizard:

• Language & Accessibility: Choose language and enable features like screen reader or high contrast if needed.
• Keyboard Layout: Auto-detect or pick from the list.
• Network Connection: Wired is preferred, but WiFi works too.
• Installer Updates: Skip or apply updates.
• Installation Type: Choose Install Ubuntu and continue.
• App Packages: Select default or extended set.
• Third-Party Software: Check boxes for drivers and media support.
• Disk Partitioning: Choose to erase the disk or configure manually.
• Create User Account: Set name, username, and password.
• Time Zone: Auto-detect or select manually.

Click Install and wait. Once finished, remove the USB and restart the system.

[Need assistance with a different issue? Our team is available 24/7.]

Conclusion

Setting up Ubuntu 24.04 on an OVH server is an easy process. From OS selection to disk partitioning and SSH setup, OVH provides tools that streamline the experience.

In short, our Support Engineers demonstrated how to set up Ubuntu 24.04 on an OVH server.