Ubuntu Roon server install tips

I could write a poem about it, but it’s all in here really:

https://kb.roonlabs.com/LinuxInstall

Make sure all dependencies are met and follow the easy installer guidelines.

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thanks for the assistance,

I think I have all dependencies sorted, just don´t kwow hot to execute the installer after downloading.

It’s in the guide, but here’s the bits you need.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install ffmpeg cifs-utils alsa-lib
curl -O http://download.roonlabs.com/builds/roonserver-installer-linuxx64.sh
chmod +x roonserver-installer-linuxx64.sh
sudo ./roonserver-installer-linuxx64.sh

Do this from the terminal app … open the dash and type terminal. You may cut ‘n’ paste each line. Post any errors.

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Tks Martin, all done.
Roon server running smoothly, these are my first steps around Linux.

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I am struggling with getting the alsa-lib installed. so, when I execute the: sudo apt install ffmpeg cifs-utils alsa-lib, I get

Reading package lists…Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information… Done
E: Unable to locate pacakge alsa-lib

Did you execute sudo apt update? You need to update the package list first.

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Hi Martin, you helped me last year with Desktop. I want to try Ubuntu Server soon. Do I need anything else besides ffmpeg, cifs-utils, alsa-lib (are curl and glibc already there?). If I knew how to check I would.

Thanks,
Darryl

Something like this …

sudo apt install curl ffmpeg libasound2 cifs-utils
curl -O http://download.roonlabs.com/builds/roonserver-installer-linuxx64.sh
chmod +x roonserver-installer-linuxx64.sh
sudo ./roonserver-installer-linuxx64.sh
sudo systemctl status roonserver

Add alsa-lib if you intend to use the server as an endpoint. I used the minimal install ISO so had to tweak a few things.

Install Base System

Using the mini.iso (Mininimal Install CD) install base system over network connection. WARNING: only prepare the SSD; do not format your data filesystem!

Use the advanced option and when prompted, only install needed drivers in kernel.

No need to install any additional software.

Remove the Ubuntu splash (seen when rebooting) using:

sudo nano /etc/default/grub

Replace GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash" with GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="" .

sudo update-grub2
sudo reboot [do this twice to see the change]

Change the default console font. Select Guess , VGA and 8x16 .

sudo dpkg-reconfigure console-setup

Finally, allow ssh access without password (certificate-only) for non-root user.

sudo apt install openssh-server

From the MacBook edit known_hosts and remove previous entries for the server (if present), then copy the key across.

nano ~/.ssh/known_hosts
ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub user@server.home
ssh server.home

From the Ubuntu server, harden ssh by disabling access using a password.

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Replace #PasswordAuthentication yes with PasswordAuthentication no . Likewise, ensure the following.

PermitEmptyPasswords no
HostbasedAuthentication no

sudo systemctl restart sshd
sudo ufw allow OpenSSH

Thanks Martin. So a bit of extra work to use Server. Desktop has been very simple.

If you download the full ISO you’ll probably have an easier ride. I’ve run out of DVD-Rs so had to use a CDR and the mini ISO.

If you want to ssh (or PuTTy) into the server you’ll need to setup openssh. Reach out if you need help.

Had to Google it. I only want a basic Roonserver setup for a Windows endpoint on a another machine.

Have you considered ROCK or MOCK? Probably a better option if the machine is only for Roon.

No, not familiar with it. I’m moving back to Unbuntu after trying Audiolinux, which advertises compatibility with Roon, but causes NAS library problems.

ROCK is Roon’s OS that’s design to run your Core on an Intel NUC. Other users have got the running on other hardware or VMs.

Take a look here …

https://kb.roonlabs.com/Roon_Optimized_Core_Kit

Correction, I am aware it, and I saw that they only recommended it for their hardware. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to try it. I have my own server (i7-8700T, ASRock Z390, M.2 Optane SSD, Streacom fanless case).

Hi Martin, got an error installing Ubuntu Server: “Unfortunately probing for devices failed to install”

Something to do with “live” ??

Which installer ISO did you use?

Edit: I’m guessing you used the live version.

ubuntu-18.04.3-live-server-amd64.iso

from https://ubuntu.com/download/server

Try the alternative ISO from https://ubuntu.com/download/alternative-downloads. Look for the section toward the bottom of the page: Alternative Ubuntu Server installer.

Thanks Martin. Ubuntu Server is working great. So, I only ever used this server for Roon, and my library is on a NAS, so I wanted to be truly headless. I suppose I can live with powering down the server with the front button since I have no other access. Is SSH how you would typically do this?