Ubuntu Server first setup checklist

Bring-up checklist for a small Ubuntu Server used by shops or customers (NLCRC original). Install - Static IP or DHCP reservation; set hostname intentionally. - Create an admin user with SSH keys; disable password SSH once keys work. Baseline - apt update && apt upgrade - Enable unattended-upgrades for security patches (tune reboots). - ufw allow OpenSSH; enable ufw - Install fail2ban if the host faces the internet. Services - Prefer systemd units you understand over random docker-compose from the web. - Document ports, volumes, and backup paths in the ticket. Next: see “Linux nginx reverse proxy” and “Backup strategy” guides.