Sign In
Sign In

Installing Debian on Ubuntu via VirtualBox

Installing Debian on Ubuntu via VirtualBox
JC Brian Refugia
Technical writer
Debian Ubuntu
29.03.2024
Reading time: 3 min

In the world of Linux distributions, the connection between Debian and Ubuntu is a remarkable combination of reliability, variety, and use. While both Debian and Ubuntu are capable operating systems in their own right, the ability to install Debian atop Ubuntu opens up a world of possibilities, providing users with a distinct set of features and benefits that distinguish it from other solutions.

In this article, deep dive into how to install Debian on Ubuntu and how the two well-known distributions work together seamlessly. Discover the benefits and advantages of this hybrid architecture, which provides users with unrivaled customization, software diversity, and system reliability.

Prerequisites

  • System running in Ubuntu
  • User with Root access on the terminal
  • At least 10GB disk space (recommended 20GB)
  • At least 512 GB RAM (recommended 4GB)
  • Debian ISO file (will be described below)
  • VirtualBox (will be described below)

Once all requirements are met, proceed with installation.

Installing VirtualBox

  1. Install VirtualBox on Ubuntu.

Access the terminal and update the package index.

sudo apt-get update

Image12

  1. Run the below command to install and type yes or y to proceed.

sudo apt-get install virtualbox

Image4

  1. Check if installation was successful by running the command:

sudo dpkg -l virtualbox

Image20

Or login to Ubuntu Desktop and look for VirtualBox on the application search box.

Image19

After successful installation of VirtualBox, it is now ready to install Debian.

Installing Debian with VirtualBox

To install Debian, follow the instruction below:

  1. Download the Debian ISO file on official website of Debian: https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-dvd/. Wait for download to finish.

Image11

  1. Launch the VirtualBox and click New.

Image15

Image17

  1. Create the Debian machine and name it.

Image8

  1. Allocate the required memory and click Next.

Image1

  1. Select the hard disk file type and click Next.

Image18

  1. Choose if the hard disk is dynamically or fixed sized then click Next.

Image9

  1. Allocate the required size of disk and click Create.

Image14

  1. Validate details and click start to proceed with installation.

Image3

  1. Locate the Debian ISO file that has been downloaded on the previous step.

Image10

Select your Debian ISO file.

Image16

Click Start.

  1. Follow the instruction prompt.

Image2

  1. Reply to the system's prompts such as selecting the language and location.

Image13

  1. Wait for the installation to complete. Once done, it will look like below. 

Image7

Debian installation is successful.

Conclusion

As technology advances and user expectations increase, Debian and Ubuntu's collaboration paves the road for open-source innovation and excellence. Embracing this synergy not only improves individual users' capacities, but it also adds to the global advancement of Linux-based solutions. Hostman allows you to launch a server for as low as $4 per month, in case you were wondering.

Debian Ubuntu
29.03.2024
Reading time: 3 min

Similar

Debian

How to Install the Latest Static Build of FFmpeg on Debian

FFmpeg is a powerful multimedia framework capable of decoding, encoding, transcoding, muxing, demuxing, streaming, filtering, and playing virtually any media file format. Given its extensive utility in media processing, having the latest version of FFmpeg installed on your Debian system is essential. This guide walks through the process of installing the latest static build of FFmpeg on Debian, ensuring that you have access to the most up-to-date features and performance improvements. Prerequisites Before beginning the installation, ensure that your system meets the following requirements: A Debian-based distribution (e.g., Debian, Ubuntu) Access to a terminal with root or sudo privileges Basic understanding of the Linux command line Installing FFmpeg Downloading the Latest Static Build To get started, you need to download the latest static build of FFmpeg. This version is precompiled, making it a hassle-free option that requires no additional dependencies. 1. Open your terminal. 2. Navigate to the /usr/local/bin directory where you will store the FFmpeg binaries:   cd /usr/local/bin 3. Download the latest static build of FFmpeg using wget. You can find the latest release on the FFmpeg official website. Use the following command to download the tarball: wget https://johnvansickle.com/ffmpeg/releases/ffmpeg-release-i686-static.tar.xz Make sure to replace the URL with the latest version's link if a newer release is available. Extracting the Archive Once the download is complete, you need to extract the tarball to access the FFmpeg binaries. 1. Extract the downloaded archive using the tar command: tar -xvf ffmpeg-release-i686-static.tar.xz 2. List the contents of the extracted directory to verify that the extraction was successful: ls ffmpeg-*-static You should see the FFmpeg binary files listed in the directory. Moving FFmpeg to a System Path To make FFmpeg accessible from any location in your terminal, you need to move it to a system path. 1. Move the FFmpeg binaries to /usr/local/bin: sudo mv ffmpeg-*-static/ffmpeg /usr/local/bin/sudo mv ffmpeg-*-static/ffprobe /usr/local/bin/ 2. Grant execution permissions to the binaries: sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/ffmpegsudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/ffprobe Verifying the FFmpeg Installation To confirm that FFmpeg is installed correctly and is functioning as expected, you can check its version. 1. Run the following command to verify the installation: ffmpeg -version 2. You should see an output similar to this, displaying the FFmpeg version and configuration details: If you see the FFmpeg version listed, the installation was successful. Updating FFmpeg When new versions of FFmpeg are released, it's a good practice to update your installation to benefit from the latest improvements and features. 1. Navigate to /usr/local/bin: cd /usr/local/bin 2. Remove the old FFmpeg binaries: sudo rm ffmpeg ffprobe 3. Download and extract the latest version using the steps mentioned in the "Downloading the Latest Static Build of FFmpeg" and "Extracting the Archive" sections. 4. Move the new binaries to /usr/local/bin and set the execution permissions as detailed in the "Moving FFmpeg to a System Path" section. Common Usage Examples FFmpeg is highly versatile, and there are countless ways to use it. Here are a few common examples: Converting a Video Format Convert a video from MP4 to AVI: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 output.avi Extracting Audio from a Video Extract the audio from a video file and save it as an MP3: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -q:a 0 -map a output.mp3 Cutting a Video Segment Cut a segment from a video between the 00:01:00 and 00:02:00 marks: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss 00:01:00 -to 00:02:00 -c copy output.mp4 Compressing a Video Reduce the file size of a video: ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vcodec h264 -acodec mp2 output.mp4 Troubleshooting Common Issues FFmpeg Command Not Found If you encounter the error ffmpeg: command not found, it likely means that FFmpeg isn’t in your system’s path. Ensure that you moved the binaries to /usr/local/bin and that they have the correct execution permissions. Unsupported Codec or Format If FFmpeg returns an error regarding unsupported codecs or formats, you may need to recompile FFmpeg with additional libraries or use precompiled binaries that include the necessary support. Conclusion Installing the latest static build of FFmpeg on Debian ensures you have the most recent features and optimizations without the need for compiling from source. By following this guide, you’ve set up FFmpeg, verified its installation, and explored some common uses. With this powerful tool at your disposal, you can handle a wide range of multimedia tasks efficiently.
20 August 2024 · 4 min to read
Debian

How to Install and Use Docker on Debian

Docker's impact on the packaging, deployment, and execution of apps makes it the preferred method of containerization. Installing Docker on Debian provides multiple benefits as it streamlines the workflow, enhances security measures, and optimizes resource management. Docker helps developers build, test and deploy their apps in a single environment, free from system configurations. It offers strong security as containers are isolated from the host system, and any threats within the application do not impact the host machine. In this article we'll delve into the basics of Docker and how to install it on Debian. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of utilizing Docker on Debian. You'll discover useful tips for streamlining the containerization of your applications. Whether you're a novice or seeking to improve your expertise, this tutorial offers a thorough overview of Docker and its significance in application containerization on Debian. Preparing Debian for Docker Installer Before installing and utilizing Docker on Debian, you should ensure that your system meets the requirements. This includes checking the compatibility of your hardware and software with Docker, such as the operating system and kernel version, processor architecture, and free disk space. It is also essential to confirm that your system possesses adequate RAM and CPU resources to effectively run Docker and its containers. To ensure that your system is compatible, use the command 'uname -a' in the terminal. This will provide details about your operating system and kernel version, and processor architecture. Docker specifically requires a 64-bit version of Debian with a minimum kernel version of 3.10. For optimal performance, it is essential to have up-to-date software on your system. This includes upgrading any components used by it. Using outdated packages leads to compatibility issues and hinders the smooth functioning. In order to install Docker on Debian correctly, ensure to run the update and upgrade commands specific to your operating system. How to Install Docker on Debian Once you have checked the compatibility of your system and set up the dependencies, proceed with the Docker installation on Debian. Add the Docker repository to your system's sources list to access the latest updates and versions of Docker using the following command: echo 'deb [arch=amd64] https://download.docker.com/linux/debian buster stable' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list However, to install Docker on Debian correctly, it is necessary to add the relevant keys to your system to prevent any potential repository errors. They serve as authentication for the packages that will be downloaded and installed. To add the keys, use the following command: curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/debian/gpg | sudo apt-key add - By adding the required keys to your system, you will be able to smoothly install Docker without any problems. Update your system's package list by running the following command: sudo apt-get update Install Docker on Debian by executing the following command: sudo apt-get install docker-ce Verify that Docker is installed correctly by running the following command: sudo docker run hello-world If installed successfully, a message will confirm that Docker is running. Use the following command to check the Docker service to start on boot: systemctl is-enabled docker Docker automatically starts by default whenever the system boots. After configuring Docker to start on boot, verify its correct functioning. Use the  following command to check the installed version of Docker: docker version Use the following command to view Docker's activity, running status, and any potential errors: sudo systemctl status docker Configuring Docker on Debian Start configuring Docker on Debian by adding users. While Docker typically operates under the root user, it is better to establish another user for Docker for security reasons. Use the 'adduser' command to indicate a username and password: sudo adduser --home /home/hostman --shell /bin/bash hostman In this example: --home /home/hostman: specifies the new user's home directory /home/hostman --shell /bin/bash: specifies that the default shell for a new user will be /bin/bash Once users are created, it is crucial to add them to the Docker group to provide access and permissions, using the command: sudo usermod -aG docker hostman You can test if you can run Docker commands without root privileges by using the command 'docker ps': docker ps -a This command will list all containers on your host system, including stopped ones. If the command runs successfully, it confirms that you have successfully created and added your user to the Docker group. If the command fails, check to see if the group exists and create it if necessary: groupadd docker The Docker group is almost always created automatically, so it is wise to check if the Docker group exists on Debian. Open the terminal on your Debian system by pressing the 'Ctrl + Alt + T' keys on your keyboard or by searching for 'Terminal' in the applications menu. In the terminal run the command 'cat /etc/group | grep 'docker' ' to view the list of all the groups on your system. Using Docker on Debian Docker on Debian allows for easily pulling images from Docker Hub, a central repository for developers to share and distribute their images. To pull an image from Docker Hub, use the 'docker pull' command, followed by the image name and the desired tag: docker pull nginx:latest After the image is pulled, use it to launch a container, a running instance of an image. To run a container, use the 'docker run' command, followed by the image name: docker run -d nginx To stop a container, use the 'docker stop' command, followed by the container ID or name: docker stop nginx Note! To find out the container ID, use the 'docker ps' command: docker ps -q This command with flag '-q' will only display IDs of all running containers. To remove containers, use the 'docker rm' command, followed by the container ID or name: docker rm nginx Note: Before removing a container it must be stopped. Note: The docker run command must specify an image reference to create the container from. The image reference is the name and version of the image. Use the image reference to create or run a container based on an image. docker run nginx:latest An image tag after : is the image version, in this case the latest one. Use the tag to run a container from a specific version of an image. Creating and building custom Docker images Docker on Debian allows for the creation of personalized images tailored to the specific requirements of an application. Dockerfile must be created with instructions for Docker to use while constructing the image. The image foundation is typically Debian, which is customized with necessary configurations and dependencies. This involves package installation, defining environment variables, and transferring files into the image. After finishing your Dockerfile, use the following command to generate the image (run command below in the same directory where Dockerfile is located): docker build A new image will be created based on Dockerfile instructions. Each instruction in the Dockerfile stands for a new layer in the image to quickly restore it in case of any changes. Ready image can be tagged with a version number or any other identifier if there are multiple versions of an application being used on different environments. Tagged image can be pushed to a Docker Hub to make it available for others. Networking with Docker on Debian After you install Docker, using it for networking on Debian facilitates smooth communication between containers and the host machine. Containers are able to seamlessly communicate with each other, using their designated names. Also containers may be connected to multiple networks for even more complex communication configurations. Docker networking can expose container ports to the host machine for external access to them, making it possible for applications running within to be accessed from the outside. Use the -p flag when running a container, as it maps a port on the host machine to a port on the container: docker run --name my-nginx -p 8080:80 nginx --name my-nginx sets the container name to my-nginx -p 8080:80 tells Docker to forward port 80 from the container to port 8080 of the host machine Effective management of Docker networks involves monitoring network traffic, identifying and resolving network issues, and implementing necessary security protocols. Docker Compose and Docker Swarm tools simplify the process of managing and scaling applications across multiple containers and networks. Data Management with Docker Volumes Docker volumes are responsible for managing data and its storage in a separate location from the container. This allows the container to access and utilize the data. Volumes act as external directories, separate from the container's file system, that can be accessed and utilized by the container. The data stored in a volume will remain even if the container is stopped or removed, making it particularly valuable for databases that require persistent storage even when the container is not running. Docker volumes can be generated by the Docker command line interface or with Dockerfile. Each volume is assigned a name and is stored in a designated location on the host system. This approach to managing volumes makes them easier to identify and access. Volumes can be shared among multiple containers to access data by different containers. Mounting volumes to containers involves linking volumes to containers, enabling them to access and utilize the data stored inside. This can be done dynamically through the Docker CLI during runtime or by specifying it in Dockerfile. This allows for data to be exchanged between the container and the host machine, as well as among multiple containers. Mastering Docker on Debian To become a proficient user of Docker on Debian, it is essential to explore its advanced options, such as orchestration for effectively managing and coordinating multiple containers. The use of Docker Swarm, the native orchestration tool, is fully compatible with Debian and enables the creation of highly available and scalable applications. Docker Swarm on Debian allows for the deployment and management of containers across multiple hosts, making it a valuable asset in production environments. Docker is able to create lightweight and disposable environments, making it easier to set up new machines for development. It is also useful for establishing a consistent and reproducible environment for continuous integration and deployment. In addition, the extensive selection of packages offered by Debian allows users to effortlessly construct customized images tailored to their specific requirements. Conclusion Docker is an impressive utility that enables the creation, deployment, and management of applications on Debian. Its versatility, scalability, and effectiveness make it an invaluable resource for developers, system administrators, and businesses alike. With its ever-evolving capabilities and endless potential, we have provided a guide on how to install Docker on Debian. By incorporating Docker into your workflow, you can streamline and optimize your development and deployment process. The potential of Docker on Debian is constantly expanding as it continues to evolve. One particularly valuable advantage for developers is its ability to create a uniform testing and deployment environment. Through Docker, applications and their necessary components can be bundled into a single image, simplifying the process of reproducing and testing on various systems. This promotes better collaboration among team members, as everyone is operating within the same environment. By the way, Hostman offers cloud servers starting from just $4 per month, in case you were wondering.
14 June 2024 · 10 min to read
Docker

How to Install and Use Docker on Debian

Docker's impact on the packaging, deployment, and execution of apps makes it the preferred method of containerization. Installing Docker on Debian provides multiple benefits as it streamlines the workflow, enhances security measures, and optimizes resource management. Docker helps developers build, test and deploy their apps in a single environment, free from system configurations. It offers strong security as containers are isolated from the host system, and any threats within the application do not impact the host machine. In this article we'll delve into the basics of Docker and how to install it on Debian. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of utilizing Docker on Debian. You'll discover useful tips for streamlining the containerization of your applications. Whether you're a novice or seeking to improve your expertise, this tutorial offers a thorough overview of Docker and its significance in application containerization on Debian. Preparing Debian for Docker Installer Before installing and utilizing Docker on Debian, you should ensure that your system meets the requirements. This includes checking the compatibility of your hardware and software with Docker, such as the operating system and kernel version, processor architecture, and free disk space. It is also essential to confirm that your system possesses adequate RAM and CPU resources to effectively run Docker and its containers. To ensure that your system is compatible, use the followin command in the terminal:  uname -a This will provide details about your operating system and kernel version, and processor architecture. Docker specifically requires a 64-bit version of Debian with a minimum kernel version of 3.10. For optimal performance, it is essential to have up-to-date software on your system. This includes upgrading any components used by it. Using outdated packages leads to compatibility issues and hinders the smooth functioning. In order to install Docker on Debian correctly, ensure to run the update and upgrade commands specific to your operating system. How to Install Docker on Debian Once you have checked the compatibility of your system and set up the dependencies, proceed with the Docker installation on Debian. Add the Docker repository to your system's sources list to access the latest updates and versions of Docker using the following command: echo 'deb [arch=amd64] https://download.docker.com/linux/debian buster stable' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list However, to install Docker on Debian correctly, it is necessary to add the relevant keys to your system to prevent any potential repository errors. They serve as authentication for the packages that will be downloaded and installed. To add the keys, use the following command: curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/debian/gpg | sudo apt-key add - By adding the required keys to your system, you will be able to smoothly install Docker without any problems. Update your system's package list by running the following command: sudo apt-get update Install Docker on Debian by executing the following command: sudo apt-get install docker-ce Verify that Docker is installed correctly by running the following command: sudo docker run hello-world If installed successfully, a message will confirm that Docker is running. Configuring Docker on Debian Start configuring Docker on Debian by adding users. While Docker typically operates under the root user, it is better to establish another user for Docker for security reasons. Use this command to indicate a username and password: adduser <username> Once users are created, it is crucial to add them to the Docker group to provide access and permissions, using the command: sudo usermod -aG docker <username> To enable the changes, it is important to log out of your current session after adding your user to the Docker group. Once you have logged back in, you can test if you can run Docker commands without root privileges by using the command: docker ps If the command runs successfully, it confirms that you have successfully created and added your user to the Docker group. To create a Docker group, use the command below with specified group name: groupadd <group name> Once the group has been created, the user can be added to the group using the command: usermod <username> This ensures that the user has the required authorizations to run and manage Docker containers. The Docker group is almost always created automatically, so it is wise to check if the Docker group exists on Debian. Open the terminal on your Debian system by pressing the 'Ctrl + Alt + T' keys on your keyboard or by searching for 'Terminal' in the applications menu. In the terminal run the command cat /etc/group to view the list of all the groups on your system. The resulting output will display a comprehensive list of all groups, including the potential presence of the Docker group. To confirm the existence of this group, simply scroll through the list. If the group is indeed present, you may proceed with utilizing Docker commands. Use the 'systemctl is-enabled docker' command to check the Docker service to start on boot. Docker automatically starts by default whenever the system boots. After configuring Docker to start on boot, verify its correct functioning. Use the following command command to check the installed version of Docker. docker version Next, check Docker's activity, running status, and any potential errors: sudo systemctl status docker Using Docker on Debian Docker on Debian allows for easily pulling images from Docker Hub, a central repository for developers to share and distribute their images. To pull an image from Docker Hub, use the 'docker pull' command, followed by the image name and the desired tag. After the image is pulled, use it to launch a container, a running instance of an image. To run a container, use the 'docker run' command, followed by the image name. To stop a container, use the 'docker stop' command, followed by the container ID or name. To remove containers, use the 'docker rm' command, followed by the container ID or name. Creating and building custom Docker images Docker on Debian allows for the creation of personalized images tailored to the specific requirements of an application. Dockerfile must be created with instructions for Docker to use while constructing the image. The image foundation is typically Debian, which is customized with necessary configurations and dependencies. This involves package installation, defining environment variables, and transferring files into the image. After finishing your Dockerfile, use the 'docker build' command to generate the image. A new image will be created based on Dockerfile instructions. Each instruction in the Dockerfile stands for a new layer in the image to quickly restore it in case of any changes. Ready image can be tagged with a version number or any other identifier if there are multiple versions of an application being used on different environments. Tagged image can be pushed to a Docker Hub to make it available for others. Networking with Docker on Debian After you install Docker, using it for networking on Debian facilitates smooth communication between containers and the host machine. Containers are able to seamlessly communicate with each other, using their designated names. Also containers may be connected to multiple networks for even more complex communication configurations. Docker networking can expose container ports to the host machine for external access to them, making it possible for applications running within to be accessed from the outside. Use the -p flag when running a container, as it maps a port on the host machine to a port on the container. Effective management of Docker networks involves monitoring network traffic, identifying and resolving network issues, and implementing necessary security protocols. Docker Compose and Docker Swarm tools simplify the process of managing and scaling applications across multiple containers and networks. Data Management with Docker Volumes Docker volumes are responsible for managing data and its storage in a separate location from the container. This allows the container to access and utilize the data. Volumes act as external directories, separate from the container's file system, that can be accessed and utilized by the container. The data stored in a volume will remain even if the container is stopped or removed, making it particularly valuable for databases that require persistent storage even when the container is not running. Docker volumes can be generated by the Docker command line interface or with Dockerfile. Each volume is assigned a name and is stored in a designated location on the host system. This approach to managing volumes makes them easier to identify and access. Volumes can be shared among multiple containers to access data by different containers. Mounting volumes to containers involves linking volumes to containers, enabling them to access and utilize the data stored inside. This can be done dynamically through the Docker CLI during runtime or by specifying it in Dockerfile. This allows for data to be exchanged between the container and the host machine, as well as among multiple containers. Mastering Docker on Debian To become a proficient user of Docker on Debian, it is essential to explore its advanced options, such as orchestration for effectively managing and coordinating multiple containers. The use of Docker Swarm, the native orchestration tool, is fully compatible with Debian and enables the creation of highly available and scalable applications. Docker Swarm on Debian allows for the deployment and management of containers across multiple hosts, making it a valuable asset in production environments. Docker is able to create lightweight and disposable environments, making it easier to set up new machines for development. It is also useful for establishing a consistent and reproducible environment for continuous integration and deployment. In addition, the extensive selection of packages offered by Debian allows users to effortlessly construct customized images tailored to their specific requirements. Conclusion Docker is an impressive utility that enables the creation, deployment, and management of applications on Debian. Its versatility, scalability, and effectiveness make it an invaluable resource for developers, system administrators, and businesses alike. With its ever-evolving capabilities and endless potential, we have provided a guide on how to install Docker on Debian. By incorporating Docker into your workflow, you can streamline and optimize your development and deployment process.   The potential of Docker on Debian is constantly expanding as it continues to evolve. One particularly valuable advantage for developers is its ability to create a uniform testing and deployment environment. Through Docker, applications and their necessary components can be bundled into a single image, simplifying the process of reproducing and testing on various systems. This promotes better collaboration among team members, as everyone is operating within the same environment.   By the way, Hostman offers cloud servers starting from just $4 per month, in case you were wondering.
27 March 2024 · 9 min to read

Do you have questions,
comments, or concerns?

Our professionals are available to assist you at any moment,
whether you need help or are just unsure of where to start.
Email us
Hostman's Support