🐧 How to Install Rocky Linux 9 – Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

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What is Rocky Linux?​

Rocky Linux is a community-driven enterprise operating system designed to be bug-for-bug compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It emerged after CentOS Linux shifted its focus to CentOS Stream, leaving users looking for a stable RHEL-compatible alternative. Developed by the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation, Rocky Linux aims to fill that gap.

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System Requirements​

Before installing, make sure your hardware meets the minimum requirements:

• CPU: 2 GHz dual-core processor or better
• RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended)
• Storage: At least 20 GB of disk space
• Network: Internet connection for updates and package installation
• Bootable USB/DVD with Rocky Linux 9 ISO

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Step 1: Download Rocky Linux 9 ISO​

Head over to the official Rocky Linux website and download the latest stable ISO:

• DVD ISO – for full installation (recommended)
• Minimal ISO – for a minimal environment, install what you need later

Make sure to verify the checksum (SHA256) after downloading to ensure file integrity.

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Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive​

Use one of the following tools:

• Windows: Rufus
• macOS: balenaEtcher
• Linux: dd command or GNOME Disks

Example dd command (be cautious!):

sudo dd if=Rocky-9.x-x86_64-dvd.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync

Replace /dev/sdX with your actual USB device path.

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Step 3: Boot into Rocky Linux Installation​

1. Insert the bootable USB/DVD and restart your system.
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI and set the USB/DVD as the primary boot device.
3. Save and reboot.

You should see the Rocky Linux boot menu. Choose:
Install Rocky Linux 9

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Step 4: Installation Wizard (Anaconda)​

Follow these prompts:

1. Choose Language​

Select your preferred language and continue.

2. Installation Destination​

Choose the disk where you want to install Rocky Linux. You can use automatic partitioning or configure custom layouts (LVM, XFS, etc.).

3. Network & Hostname​

Enable your network interface and optionally assign a hostname like server1.localdomain.

4. Set Time Zone​

Choose your correct region/time zone (e.g., Asia/Jakarta).

5. User Settings​

• Set a root password
• Create a non-root user with sudo privileges

6. Begin Installation​

Click "Begin Installation" and wait for the process to finish (5–10 minutes depending on speed).

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Step 5: First Boot and Initial Setup​

Once installation is done:

1. Reboot your system
2. Remove the installation media
3. Log in with your created user or root account

You're now on Rocky Linux 9!

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Step 6: Post-Installation Tasks​

Here are a few essential post-installation steps:

# Update all packages
sudo dnf update -y

# Install basic tools
sudo dnf install epel-release -y
sudo dnf install nano wget curl net-tools -y

Optionally install a desktop environment:

sudo dnf groupinstall "Server with GUI" -y

Enable GUI to start by default:

sudo systemctl set-default graphical.target

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Why Choose Rocky Linux?​

• 100% open source and community-supported
• Enterprise-grade stability
• Long-term support (up to 10 years)
• Ideal CentOS replacement
• Backed by the original CentOS co-founder

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Final Thoughts​

Rocky Linux 9 offers an excellent balance of enterprise stability and open-source flexibility, making it perfect for production servers, development environments, and learning labs. With this guide, you're now ready to install it confidently!

If you're switching from CentOS or just starting your Linux journey, Rocky Linux is a rock-solid choice.