OS Installation and Configuration
Created: 2025-11-25 Tags: operating-systems installation configuration setup
Description
Proper OS installation and configuration is fundamental to system security. This includes understanding installation methods, initial setup, and security hardening from the start.
Key Concepts
Installation Methods
- Clean install: Fresh OS installation
- Upgrade install: Preserving existing data
- Network install: PXE boot, network deployment
- Virtualization: VM installation
- Dual boot: Multiple OS on one machine
- Live boot: Running from removable media
Pre-Installation Planning
- Hardware compatibility check
- Partition planning and disk layout
- Backup existing data
- Installation media preparation
- License and activation planning
Installation Process
- Boot from installation media
- Partition and format drives
- Select installation options
- Configure initial settings
- Install bootloader
- First boot configuration
- Update and patch system
Initial Configuration
- Network settings: IP address, DNS, gateway
- User accounts: Admin and standard users
- System updates: Apply latest patches
- Security settings: Firewall, antivirus
- Regional settings: Time zone, language
- Services: Enable/disable as needed
Security Considerations
Secure Installation
- Verify installation media integrity (checksums)
- Disconnect from network during installation (if possible)
- Use full disk encryption from start
- Create strong passwords
- Minimal installation (reduce attack surface)
- Disable unnecessary services
Post-Installation Hardening
- Apply all security updates
- Configure firewall rules
- Enable security features (SELinux, AppArmor, etc.)
- Remove unnecessary software
- Configure logging and auditing
- Set up backup systems
- Implement monitoring
Version Considerations
- Long-Term Support (LTS) vs. Rolling release
- Feature updates vs. security updates
- Compatibility with hardware and software
- Enterprise vs. consumer versions
Related Topics
- Windows Operating System
- Linux Operating System
- MacOS Operating System
- Virtualization Technologies
- Backup and Resiliency
- Permission Structures
- Defense in Depth
Best Practices
Windows
- Use Windows Pro/Enterprise for security features
- Enable BitLocker during installation
- Configure Windows Update properly
- Use local account during install, join domain later
Linux
- Use LVM for flexible disk management
- Separate partitions (/home, /var, /tmp)
- Install only required packages
- Configure package repositories securely
MacOS
- Create standard user account (not admin)
- Enable FileVault immediately
- Configure firmware password
- Review privacy settings
Practical Applications
- Building secure baseline images
- Automated deployment systems
- Lab environment setup
- Incident response and recovery
- Compliance with security standards
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using default passwords
- Skipping updates after installation
- Installing unnecessary software
- Not enabling encryption
- Improper partition sizing
- Not documenting configuration
Back to: 00-MOC-Cybersecurity-Roadmap