Introduction

Welcome, fearless tech explorer! Today we embark on a grand adventure: installing a Linux operating system and then layering on the might of
Bicom PBXware, your future communications superhero. Expect plenty of details, a pinch of humor, and—most importantly—a bulletproof setup.

Why Choose Linux PBXware?

• Stability: Linux rarely crashes. It drinks coffee instead of bugs.
• Cost-Effective: Open source OS PBX optimized for SMBs keeps budgets happy.
• Scalability: From two extensions to two thousand, Linux PBXware handle them all.
• Community Support: Forums, documentation, and your friendly neighborhood sysadmin.

Prerequisites

Step 1: Prepare Your Installation Media

1. Download your chosen Linux ISO:
   • CentOS: centos.org/download
   • Debian: debian.org/distrib
2. Flash ISO to USB using balenaEtcher or Rufus:
   • Select the ISO, target USB stick, click “Flash”.
   • Patience: coffee break recommended.
3. Configure BIOS/UEFI:
   • Enable USB booting.
   • Disable Secure Boot if using CentOS (or use a signed kernel).

Step 2: Install Linux OS

Boot from USB

Insert the USB, reboot, choose USB in the boot menu. You’ll be greeted by the installer’s shiny screen.

Partitioning Filesystems

• / (root): 20 GB ext4
• /home: optional, 20 GB
• swap: equal to RAM up to 8 GB
• /var: 10 GB (stores logs, voicemail)

User Networking

1. Create root password — make it strong, memorable, and not “password123”.
2. Create admin user for daily tasks.
3. Configure network interface:
   • Static IP recommended: 192.168.1.10/24, Gateway 192.168.1.1, DNS 8.8.8.8

Finalize Reboot

Confirm settings, let the installer do its magic, remove USB, reboot. Welcome to your new Linux box!

Step 3: Post-Install Hardening Updates

1. Log in as root (or sudo):
   ssh root@192.168.1.10
2. Update packages:
   • CentOS: yum update -y
   • Debian: apt update apt upgrade -y
3. Set timezone:
   timedatectl set-timezone Etc/UTC
4. Disable unnecessary services:
   systemctl disable bluetooth
5. Install essentials:
   yum install -y wget net-tools vim (or
   apt install -y wget net-tools vim)
6. Configure firewall (firewalld/ufw):
   • Allow SSH (22), HTTP (80), HTTPS (443), PBXware ports (5060-5061 UDP/TCP, 8088).
   • Example:
     firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service={ssh,http,https}

Step 4: Install Bicom PBXware

Download Installer

Grab the latest PBXware RPM/DEB from
Bicom Systems.
Example for CentOS:

    wget https://download.bicomsystems.com/pbxware/pbxware-5.7.x86_64.rpm
  

Run the Installer

1. Install dependencies:
   yum install -y epel-release yum install -y asterisk mysql-server httpd php
2. Install PBXware package:
   rpm -ivh pbxware-5.7.x86_64.rpm
3. Start services:
   systemctl enable --now mysqld httpd asterisk pbxware

Initial Web Configuration

Open your browser at
http://192.168.1.10:8088.
Login with default credentials (admin:admin). You’ll be guided through:

• Database setup (auto-detected)
• License activation
• Primary network interface confirmation
• Admin password change (seriously, don’t keep ‘admin’)

Step 5: Configure Your PBX

Create Extensions

1. Go to PBXware gt Extensions gt Add.
2. Fill in Extension Number, Name, Secret (password).
3. Assign to a user or device (softphone/hardphone).

Set Up SIP Trunk

1. Navigate to Trunks gt SIP Trunks gt Add.
2. Enter provider details: host, username, password, codecs.
3. Test registration and make a sample outbound call.

Inbound Routes IVR

• Inbound gt DID Routes: map DID numbers to extensions or IVR.
• IVR gt Add: record greetings, set timeout destinations.

Step 6: Testing Troubleshooting

Step 7: Maintenance Best Practices

• Scheduled Backups: Use PBXware backup feature or
  mysqldump tar.
• Apply Security Updates Monthly:
• Monitor Logs:
• /var/log/asterisk/full
• /var/log/httpd/access_log
• Enable Fail2Ban for SSH SIP brute-force protection.
• Document your dial plans, extension assignments, and trunk credentials.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed a rock-solid Linux OS, tamed the PBXware beast, and now wield a full-featured phone system.
Whether you’re supporting a small office or a bustling call center, your setup is ready for action. And remember: in the world of VoIP, always keep a
spare headset and a good sense of humor on standby.