This is not complete.

If you ever come across an issue where you can't work backwards with your Linux OS, then you can easily re-install Linux OS (this example is Ubuntu 20.04) to start over. There's workarounds and complexity in getting Linux OS setup as well prior to whatever SW you data scientists use for your work.

A hard truth if you fall under this category of 'accepting Linux OS updates blindly': You might've have messed up your Docker Container, not your base OS that hosts Docker Containers.

A good safety precaution is to never accept updates blindly. To read more refer to: Do I need to update my Ubuntu or CentOS?

If you DO want to routinely and safely update your Linux OS, or even update SW, then we strongly suggest:

1. Back, up, your, data
2. Back, up, your kernel/config/packages
   • Ubuntu: https://linuxconfig.org/ubuntu-20-04-system-backup-and-restore
   • CentOS: https://www.thegeekdiary.com/centos-rhel-7-how-to-modify-the-kernel-command-line/
3. Then make any OS/SW changes you believe is necessary for your work.

On another computer

Step 1 - Get Ubuntu Server LTS

Why Server LTS? LTS = long time support. Desktop comes with too many pre-packaged items that may cause more issues than it tries to ready you for. I consider Server LTS my base, but don't worry, you'll still get a GUI.

https://releases.ubuntu.com/20.04/

Step 2 - Download Rufus, a tool to make your USB bootable with the OS ISO file you just downloaded

https://rufus.ie/en/

Step 3 - Plug in a USB Drive (that you are okay with being wiped in the process)

With Rufus, you will be reformatting a USB drive, meaning all data will be lost. Also, it is reformatting the drive, so it is bootable. This allows you to select your USB Drive (you'll typically see the brand-name and capacity of your USB drive as a boot option) in your BIOS's list of bootable devices.

1. Make sure you have the correct USB drive selected.
2. 'Disk or ISO image (Please select)
3. Select the Ubuntu ISO file though the pop-up 'browse', mine shows up in 'Downloads' folder.
4. Re-name the drive, if you want
5. Hit 'Start', and then 'OK' on the next window.
6. Let Rufus download necessary files to continue, and hit 'OK' to acknowledge that all data on your USB drive will be 'DESTROYED'

The progress bar will load (takes a couple minutes), and then will be completed once it says 'READY'. At this point, you can remove the USB drive and slap it on the system you want to install Ubuntu 20.04 for, finally.

On your target computer

Step 4 - Make sure system is powered off and plug in the USB drive.

Step 5 - Access boot override menu in BIOS and select the 'UEFI' boot option for your USB drive.

Step 6 - 'Install Ubuntu Server' and let it load for 2 minutes up to the language selection screen.

Step 7 - Choose Your Keyboard Configuration

Step 8 - Define your Network Interface. You will need at least one. This should be detect your networking and give you an IP Address

Step 9 - Define a Proxy if applicable

Step 10 - Define a Mirror Archive if applicable

Step 11 - Select the storage disk drive you want to place your OS onto. This disk will be wiped clean and used as the standard boot drive.

Step 12 - Confirm the Partitions and verify everything is correct accordingly.

Step 13 - Define the your name, the server's name, username and password for accessing this server.

Step 14 - Verify if you want to install OpenSSH at this time. You can do this later if you choose to.

Step 15 - You can also install featured server applications such as PowerShell, Kubernetes, Docker, and more if applicable. These are optional and are not required.

Step 16 - Confirm the installation and wait for it to complete. Remove any boot media from the system prior to Reboot

Step 17 - Reboot the System

Step 18 - Once rebooted, you will see a console. Hit the Return/Enter Key to bring up the login. Login with your Username and Password set during installation to access your Ubuntu Server

Congrats! You've officially reinstalled or freshly installed Ubuntu 20.04 LTS