ClearOS Documentation

ClearOS Installation | What to Expect:


1. Starting the Installation Wizard

ClearOS is managed and deployed through an intuitive web-based user interface and a simple installation wizard for setting up the server in minutes. This installation wizard allows you to configure your network mode, networking settings, register the server for ongoing maintenance and security updates and connect to the ClearOS Marketplace for dynamic feature installation via the app marketplace.


2. Selecting a Network Mode

Select the best option for your deployment type. Included are Private Server Mode, Public Server Mode, and Gateway Mode.


3. Configuring Network Interfaces

ClearOS must be connected to the internet to complete the installation and install the necessary packages (apps & services). In order to make completing this step simple ClearOS allows you to input your settings quickly. You will need at least one network interface configured in the external role to complete the installation.


4. Configuring DNS

Configuring DNS servers is best practices, and required to install ClearOS. You can use your own DNS server or Googles to configure things on this step.


5. Select a ClearOS Edition

ClearOS is offered in three editions. ClearOS Community offers the latest in bleeding edge code; untested and more likely to cause unintended consequences from new packages being tested in the wild. ClearOS Home offers home users a simple, yet robust solution for security, media, and many other IT functions. ClearOS Business offers the most complete, production ready suite. It's fully supported with self-support and full support plans available.


6. Register A Server

ClearOS does require registration with a ClearCenter Account. This ensures the server receives it's dynamic and (on select versions) tested / priority software & security updates. Registration activates the ClearOS Marketplace on the server to provide turn-key app installations for feature enhancement on the server.
Once authenticated to your portal account you can select an available subscription license from a drop down which will open up paid or exclusive apps in the ClearOS Marketplace for installation at a later step. This will also ensure the server registered receives the included benefits and updates associated to a license.


7. Software Updates

ClearOS calls back to a service delivery network once installed to ensure that critical updates to the core system are installed. This is done for you to minimize maintenance time and ensure stability.


8. Set up Internet Domain

On this step you set a default Internet domain for your system, for example: example.com. By the way, we use "Internet domain" instead of just "domain" in our terminology to avoid confusion with "Windows domains".


9. Assign a Hostname

It is time to define the hostname for your system. Hey, wait a minute... why do you need two hostnames? Often, these two hostnames are the same, but there are differences.
Hostname: The hostname is the name of your system when accessed from an internal network or VPN. For example, a file server might have the hostname fileserver.lan. In the end, it is what you normally expect for a hostname. Internet Hostname: The Internet hostname is the name of your system if accessed from the Internet. Continuing our file server example, there may be a public web folder available for downloading files. The Internet hostname could be set to filleserver.example.com.


10. Set the Date & Time

Many apps and services require correct timezone information and an accurate clock. Here you set this information to ensure your server performs as expected.


11. Marketplace Wizard

You are now ready to install apps and integrated cloud services through the ClearOS Marketplace. You will find a large selection of both free and paid apps that can be installed in these few short steps.


12. App Selection Wizard

In this example we selected "By Function" in the Marketplace Wizard. Selecting apps to install by function (or feature) allows admins new to ClearOS to quickly learn the core capabilities available. To select an app for install, click on the "Select for Install" button. Change/view new feature summaries by clicking through the numbered selector buttons. When you have finished going through the features, click "Next".


13. Install Selected Apps

Here you can review the apps you've selected for install from the ClearOS Marketplace. You can also return to Marketplace anytime after setup to get more apps.


14. Start Enjoying ClearOS!

At this point you're done with your initial installation and are ready to start deploying IT like never before!