How to Install Debian 12 "Bookworm" Step by Step

Debian 12 “Bookworm” is a stable and powerful Linux distribution suitable for various purposes, including desktop and server environments. This guide provides a step-by-step process to install Debian 12 on your system.

Prerequisites

Before beginning the installation, ensure you have the following:

• System Requirements:
  • At least 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended for smooth performance)
  • 20 GB of free disk space (SSD preferred)
  • 1 GHz dual-core processor or better
  • Internet connection (optional but recommended for updates)
• Installation Media:
  • A USB flash drive (8 GB or larger)
  • A downloaded Debian 12 ISO file
  • A tool to create a bootable USB (such as Rufus or Balena Etcher)
• Data Backup: Backup important data before proceeding.

Step 1: Download Debian 12 ISO

1. Visit the official Debian website: https://www.debian.org/download
2. Select the appropriate version:
   • amd64 for 64-bit systems (most common)
   • i386 for older 32-bit systems
3. Choose between:
   • Netinstall ISO (smaller download, installs packages over the internet)
   • DVD ISO (larger download, contains more pre-installed packages)
4. Download the ISO file.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

To create a bootable USB drive, use one of the following methods:

Windows (Using Rufus)

1. Download and install Rufus from https://rufus.ie
2. Insert your USB drive and open Rufus.
3. Select the downloaded Debian 12 ISO file.
4. Choose GPT for UEFI or MBR for BIOS under “Partition Scheme.”
5. Click Start and wait for the process to complete.

Linux (Using dd Command)

1. Insert the USB drive and find its name using:

   lsblk
   

2. Run the following command (replace sdX with the correct device name):

   sudo dd if=/path/to/debian.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
   

3. Wait for the process to complete, then safely eject the USB.

Step 3: Configure BIOS/UEFI Settings

1. Insert the bootable USB drive into your system.
2. Restart the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (press F2, F12, Esc, or Del, depending on your system).
3. Change the Boot Order to prioritize the USB drive.
4. Disable Secure Boot (if applicable).
5. Save and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Step 4: Start the Debian 12 Installation

1. Boot from the USB drive.
2. Select Graphical Install (recommended for ease of use).
3. Choose your language, location, and keyboard layout.

Step 5: Configure Network Settings

1. If connected to a wired network, Debian will automatically configure the internet.
2. If using Wi-Fi, select your network and enter the password.
3. Set a hostname for your system (e.g., debian-pc).
4. Enter a domain name (optional, can be left blank).

Step 6: Set Up Users and Passwords

1. Set a root password (for administrative tasks).
2. Create a regular user account:
   • Enter the full name.
   • Set a username.
   • Choose a secure password.

Step 7: Disk Partitioning

1. Choose a partitioning method:
   • Guided - use entire disk (recommended for beginners)
   • Guided - use entire disk with LVM (recommended for better flexibility)
   • Manual (for advanced users)
2. Select the disk to install Debian.
3. Choose a partitioning scheme:
   • All files in one partition (simpler)
   • Separate /home partition (better for future upgrades)
   • Separate /home, /var, and /tmp partitions (recommended for advanced users)
4. Confirm and apply partitioning changes.

Step 8: Install the Base System

1. Debian will now install the base system.
2. Wait for the installation to complete (this may take several minutes).

Step 9: Configure the Package Manager

1. Select a Debian mirror near your location for faster downloads.
2. If using a proxy, enter the details (otherwise, leave blank).

Step 10: Choose Software to Install

1. Select the desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, Xfce, etc.).
2. Choose additional packages (SSH server, web server, etc.).
3. Wait for the installation to finish.

Step 11: Install the GRUB Bootloader

1. When prompted, select Yes to install GRUB.
2. Choose the disk where GRUB should be installed (usually /dev/sda).

Step 12: Finish Installation and Reboot

1. Once installation is complete, remove the USB drive.
2. Click Continue to restart the system.
3. Debian 12 should now boot up.

Step 13: Post-Installation Setup

After installation, consider the following steps:

• Update the system:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
  

• Install additional software:

  sudo apt install firefox vlc gimp
  

• Enable firewall:

  sudo ufw enable
  

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Debian 12 “Bookworm.” Whether using it as a personal desktop or server, Debian offers stability, security, and flexibility for various applications.