Setting Up RHEL 10 for the First Time: A Beginner’s Guide

Table of Contents

• Introduction to RHEL 10
• What Are the System Requirements for RHEL 10?
• How to Install RHEL 10 Step by Step?
• What to Do After Installing RHEL 10?
• How to Configure Users and Permissions?
• How to Configure Networking in RHEL 10?
• Comparative Table: RHEL 10 vs Previous Versions
• What Are Common Troubleshooting Steps for Beginners?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction to RHEL 10

Overview of Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is one of the most widely adopted enterprise-grade Linux distributions, providing businesses and individuals with a secure, scalable, and highly stable operating system. With the release of RHEL 10, Red Hat continues its tradition of combining open-source innovation with enterprise-level reliability. This version comes with enhanced support for AI-driven workloads, cloud-native applications, improved automation tools, and advanced security protocols. For beginners, the process of setting up RHEL 10 may appear daunting at first, but with the right guidance, it becomes a straightforward and rewarding experience.

Why Choose RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 introduces multiple new features compared to its predecessors, including tighter integration with hybrid cloud environments, post-quantum cryptography security measures, and AI optimization frameworks. It is a perfect choice for those aiming to start their Linux journey on a platform trusted by enterprises worldwide. By learning how to set up RHEL 10 properly, beginners gain valuable insights into system administration, package management, user configuration, and networking fundamentals, which are essential skills in the IT and cybersecurity industries.

What Are the System Requirements for RHEL 10?

Minimum Hardware Specifications

Before installing RHEL 10, it is essential to ensure your system meets the minimum requirements. RHEL 10 typically requires a 64-bit x86 or ARM-based processor, at least 2 GB of RAM, and 20 GB of available storage for a basic installation. These specifications allow the OS to function properly in a test environment, though real-world enterprise deployments often demand much higher hardware resources to support additional workloads.

Recommended Hardware for Smooth Performance

While minimum requirements work for basic testing, Red Hat recommends at least 4–8 GB of RAM, a quad-core CPU, and 100 GB or more of disk space for production environments. For servers running databases, AI workloads, or containers, even higher configurations may be required. Meeting these recommended requirements ensures stable performance, faster response times, and better scalability when running enterprise applications on RHEL 10.

How to Install RHEL 10 Step by Step?

Downloading the RHEL 10 ISO

To begin installing RHEL 10, you must download the installation ISO image from the official Red Hat portal. Users typically need a Red Hat Customer Portal account to access the ISO. Once downloaded, the ISO can be burned onto a USB drive or mounted on a virtual machine for installation purposes.

Installing RHEL 10 Using the Anaconda Installer

The installation process of RHEL 10 is powered by the Anaconda Installer. After booting from the ISO, the installer guides users through language selection, partitioning options, package selection, and installation destination. Beginners can select the default partitioning scheme, while advanced users may choose custom storage layouts to suit their needs. The installation typically completes within 20–40 minutes depending on system speed.

Activating RHEL 10 Subscription

Once the OS is installed, users must register and activate their subscription to gain access to official repositories, security patches, and updates. This step involves using the subscription-manager tool. Without a valid subscription, system updates and enterprise support are not available, making it essential to complete this step immediately after installation.

What to Do After Installing RHEL 10?

Updating Packages and Security Patches

The first task after installation is to update all system packages to ensure security and stability. This is done using the dnf update command. Applying the latest patches not only secures the system against known vulnerabilities but also improves performance by fixing bugs from previous releases.

Installing Essential Tools

After updating, beginners should install essential packages like vim, wget, curl, net-tools, and git. These tools provide fundamental capabilities for editing files, downloading resources, network diagnostics, and version control. Having these packages readily available enhances productivity and simplifies system management tasks.

How to Configure Users and Permissions?

Creating a New User

Managing users is one of the most important aspects of Linux administration. In RHEL 10, you can create a new user with the adduser command followed by the username. Setting a secure password using the passwd command ensures that the account is properly protected.

Assigning User Permissions

RHEL 10 follows a robust permission system based on read, write, and execute controls. You can assign users to groups and provide elevated privileges through the sudo command. Configuring permissions properly helps maintain security by restricting unauthorized access to system-critical files.

How to Configure Networking in RHEL 10?

Setting Up a Static IP Address

Configuring the network correctly is crucial for system accessibility. Beginners can use the nmcli command-line tool to assign a static IP address to the system. This ensures stable connectivity, especially for servers and systems that require consistent network identity.

Enabling Firewall and SELinux

RHEL 10 comes with firewalld and SELinux enabled by default. Beginners should familiarize themselves with these security mechanisms to ensure that unauthorized access is prevented. The firewall can be configured to allow or deny specific services, while SELinux provides mandatory access controls for better system protection.

Comparative Table: RHEL 10 vs Previous Versions

What Are Common Troubleshooting Steps for Beginners?

Dealing with Boot Issues

Sometimes beginners face problems where RHEL 10 fails to boot after installation. In such cases, accessing the GRUB menu and selecting recovery mode can help troubleshoot errors. Checking logs in the /var/log directory also provides insights into the root cause of boot failures.

Fixing Network Problems

If the system fails to connect to the internet, verifying network interface configuration using ip a and restarting the NetworkManager service often resolves the issue. Beginners should also confirm DNS configurations and firewall rules that may block connectivity.

Conclusion

Setting up RHEL 10 for the first time might seem challenging, but once you understand the process, it becomes much easier to manage. From checking hardware requirements and completing installation with the Anaconda installer to configuring users, networking, and essential tools, RHEL 10 provides a seamless experience for both beginners and professionals. Its advanced features such as AI/ML optimization, post-quantum security measures, and hybrid cloud integration make it a future-ready platform. By investing time in learning how to set up and configure RHEL 10, beginners can build strong foundational skills that will serve them throughout their IT and cybersecurity careers. This journey ensures confidence in managing enterprise-grade systems with industry-leading reliability and scalability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RHEL 10 free to download and use?

RHEL 10 can be downloaded and tested for free under the Red Hat Developer Subscription. However, enterprise deployments require a paid subscription to access updates, patches, and official support. This model ensures businesses receive the stability and security they need.

What makes RHEL 10 different from RHEL 9?

RHEL 10 introduces major improvements such as AI optimization, post-quantum security algorithms, and deeper hybrid cloud integration. Compared to RHEL 9, it provides a more future-proof operating system designed for enterprises needing enhanced performance, automation, and advanced container support.

Can I install RHEL 10 on a virtual machine?

Yes, RHEL 10 supports installation on virtual machines using platforms such as VMware, VirtualBox, or KVM. Beginners often start with VMs to test the OS safely. This method avoids risks of data loss while allowing experimentation with all RHEL 10 features.

What package manager does RHEL 10 use?

RHEL 10 uses the DNF package manager, which is the improved successor to YUM. DNF simplifies package installation, updates, and dependency management. Its enhanced performance and support for modularity provide users with greater flexibility while managing software applications.

Is RHEL 10 beginner-friendly?

Although designed for enterprises, RHEL 10 can also be beginner-friendly with proper guidance. The installation process is straightforward, and once users understand commands, permissions, and package management, managing the system becomes significantly easier even for first-time Linux users.

Do I need internet access to install RHEL 10?

You can install RHEL 10 without internet access using offline ISO images. However, internet connectivity is required afterward to register your system, activate your subscription, and install updates. Skipping this step limits your access to critical patches and tools.

What is the role of subscription-manager in RHEL 10?

The subscription-manager tool is essential for registering your system with Red Hat. It allows access to repositories, security patches, and enterprise-grade updates. Without activation, your RHEL 10 setup cannot receive important updates, making it less secure and stable.

How do I enable GUI in RHEL 10?

By default, RHEL 10 may install in a minimal setup without a graphical interface. To enable GUI, install the GNOME desktop environment using DNF and set it as the default target. Reboot the system, and you will have access to a full desktop.

Is SELinux enabled by default in RHEL 10?

Yes, SELinux is enabled by default in RHEL 10 for enhanced system security. Beginners may find it restrictive at first, but understanding SELinux policies helps protect the system against unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and potentially harmful applications.

Can I dual-boot RHEL 10 with Windows?

Yes, dual-booting RHEL 10 with Windows is possible. During installation, select the custom partitioning option to allocate space for both operating systems. Ensure proper backups are taken beforehand to prevent accidental data loss during the installation process.

What is the difference between CentOS Stream and RHEL 10?

CentOS Stream acts as an upstream development branch for RHEL, receiving updates before they are fully released in RHEL. In contrast, RHEL 10 provides a stable, enterprise-ready platform with long-term support, making it more suitable for production environments.

How can I install software in RHEL 10?

Software in RHEL 10 can be installed using the DNF package manager. By enabling appropriate repositories and running commands like dnf install, you can add required software. Subscriptions grant access to verified packages, ensuring system stability and security.

Does RHEL 10 support containerization?

Yes, RHEL 10 provides robust containerization support using Podman and integrated Kubernetes features. This makes it ideal for developers building containerized applications. The enhancements in RHEL 10 ensure seamless orchestration and management of cloud-native applications in enterprise settings.

Can RHEL 10 run on cloud platforms?

RHEL 10 is fully compatible with leading cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Its hybrid cloud architecture allows enterprises to deploy workloads flexibly across on-premise and cloud environments, providing unmatched scalability and reliability for businesses.

What security features are new in RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 introduces post-quantum cryptography, improved SELinux modules, and stronger firewall policies. These features enhance security against modern threats while maintaining system efficiency. Such advancements make RHEL 10 an excellent choice for organizations prioritizing cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.

How do I update RHEL 10 regularly?

RHEL 10 updates can be applied using the dnf update command. Red Hat strongly recommends enabling automatic updates or manually checking frequently to keep the system secure. Regular updates ensure protection against vulnerabilities and provide the latest performance improvements.

Can beginners use RHEL 10 for learning Linux?

Yes, RHEL 10 is suitable for beginners aiming to learn Linux administration. While it may initially appear enterprise-focused, its stability and robust documentation make it an excellent platform for students, IT enthusiasts, and professionals preparing for Linux certifications.

Does RHEL 10 require a license key?

Unlike proprietary systems, RHEL 10 does not require a license key. Instead, it requires system registration using a subscription. This registration ensures access to repositories and official support channels, making it essential for keeping your installation updated and secure.

What desktop environments are available in RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 primarily offers the GNOME desktop environment by default, but other desktop environments such as KDE Plasma can also be installed. This provides users with flexibility to choose an interface that matches their workflow and system performance needs.

How long will RHEL 10 be supported?

Red Hat typically provides up to 10 years of support for its major releases, including full support and maintenance phases. This ensures enterprises can rely on RHEL 10 for long-term deployments without worrying about frequent upgrades disrupting business operations.