Chapter 3: Installing Linux

Why Linux?

Linux, born in 1991 as a kernel project by Linus Torvalds, has grown into the backbone of countless systems around the globe, and for good reason. It’s a powerful, versatile, and open-source operating system that’s become the foundation for everything from small servers to enterprise-level applications. For our LOGG stack project, Linux is the ideal choice because of its stability, extensive community support, and flexibility.

We’re choosing Ubuntu, a distribution with a strong Debian core, known for its balance between user-friendliness and deep technical capability. Debian, which Ubuntu is built upon, has a reputation for stability and performance, making it an excellent choice for running the components of our stack. By installing Ubuntu manually via the VM terminal, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the system's architecture, preparing you to manage and troubleshoot the stack as you scale it up.

Understanding the intricacies of a Linux installation—partitioning, selecting the appropriate packages, and configuring the system—provides a foundation that goes beyond just getting things up and running. It’s about building a system that you control fully, with the ability to customize and optimize as needed. This knowledge isn’t just a checkbox on the journey to building the LOGG stack; it’s a critical skill that will empower you to handle complex technical challenges, not just in this project but in any Linux-based system you encounter in your career.