How to Perform a Minimal Debian Installation

A minimal Debian installation provides a lightweight, efficient, and highly customizable system. It is ideal for servers, embedded systems, or users who prefer to install only essential packages. This guide will walk you through the steps to install Debian 12 “Bookworm” with a minimal setup.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

• Debian 12 Net Install ISO: Download the network installation image from the official Debian website.
• Bootable USB Drive: A USB drive with at least 4 GB capacity.
• Stable Internet Connection: Required for downloading essential packages.
• Compatible Hardware: Ensure your system meets Debian’s minimum requirements.

Step 1: Create Bootable Installation Media

1. Download the Debian 12 Net Install ISO.
2. Create a Bootable USB:

   • Use Rufus for Windows or the dd command on Linux/macOS:

     sudo dd if=debian-12-netinst.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
     

   • Replace /dev/sdX with the appropriate USB device.

Step 2: Boot into the Debian Installer

1. Insert the Bootable USB Drive and restart your system.
2. Access Boot Menu by pressing the appropriate key (F12, F10, Esc, etc.).
3. Select the USB Drive and press Enter to start the installer.

Step 3: Installation Process

1. Choose Installation Mode

• Select “Install” (or “Graphical Install” if preferred).

2. Configure Language, Location, and Keyboard

• Select your language, country, and keyboard layout.

3. Set Up the Network

• Enter a hostname (e.g., debian-server).
• Enter a domain name (optional, can be left blank).

4. Create User and Set Passwords

• Set a strong root password.
• Create a regular user account and assign a password.

5. Partition the Disk

1. Choose “Guided - Use Entire Disk” (or “Manual” for custom partitioning).
2. Select the target disk.
3. Choose “All files in one partition” for simplicity.
4. Confirm and write changes to disk.

6. Install the Base System

• The installer will now copy the essential system files.

Step 4: Configure Package Manager

1. Choose a network mirror close to your location.
2. If using a proxy, enter the details (or leave blank if none).

Step 5: Select Minimal Software

1. Deselect all software except for:
   • “Standard system utilities”
2. This ensures only essential packages are installed.

Step 6: Install GRUB Bootloader

1. Choose “Yes” to install GRUB.
2. Select the primary boot disk.

Step 7: Complete Installation

1. Finish the installation and remove the USB drive.
2. Reboot into your new minimal Debian system.

Post-Installation Setup

1. Update and Upgrade System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Install Essential Packages

sudo apt install vim htop curl wget -y

3. Enable SSH (Optional)

sudo apt install openssh-server -y
sudo systemctl enable ssh
sudo systemctl start ssh

Conclusion

You have now successfully installed a minimal Debian 12 system. From here, you can customize it to suit your needs by installing only the necessary packages and services.