# Linux

This page covers how to install and start DoltLab on a Linux host. Before you begin, be sure the host meets the [minimum recommended hardware requirements](https://docs.doltlab.com/administrator-guides/installation/..#minimum-recommended-hardware), has the proper [networking configuration](https://docs.doltlab.com/administrator-guides/installation/..#networking-requirements), and all [dependencies](https://docs.doltlab.com/administrator-guides/installation/..#dependencies) installed.

DoltLab is released as a single `.zip` file that contains everything you need to run it. Release notes for each release can be viewed [here](https://docs.doltlab.com/reference/release-notes).

> NOTE: We highly recommend installing (and upgrading to) the latest DoltLab version whenever possible.

Download and unzip the latest version of DoltLab with:

```bash
curl -LO https://doltlab-releases.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/linux/amd64/doltlab-latest.zip
unzip doltlab-latest.zip -d doltlab
cd doltlab
```

Or, to install a specific version of DoltLab, run:

```bash
export DOLTLAB_VERSION=v2.1.1
curl -LO https://doltlab-releases.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/linux/amd64/doltlab-${DOLTLAB_VERSION}.zip
unzip doltlab-${DOLTLAB_VERSION}.zip -d doltlab
cd doltlab
```

The contents of the resulting `doltlab` directory can vary depending on the version installed. The following instructions will refer to DoltLab versions >= `v2.1.0` that contain the [installer](https://docs.doltlab.com/reference/installer) binary. For installation instructions for DoltLab <= `2.0.8`, please see the [pre-installer installation instructions](https://docs.doltlab.com/older-versions/installation/pre-installer-linux).

Inside the `doltlab` directory you'll find the following binaries:

* installer
* smtp\_connection\_helper

The [installer](https://docs.doltlab.com/reference/installer) binary, is the primary interface for configuring a DoltLab instance. This tool will create all other assets DoltLab needs to run, based on the arguments you supply it.

The `smtp_connection_helper` binary can be used to help you troubleshoot any issues connecting your DoltLab instance to your existing SMTP server. This tool uses similar code to DoltLab's email service and sends a test email if the connection to the SMTP server is properly configured. The source code for the tool is available [here](https://gist.github.com/coffeegoddd/66f5aeec98640ff8a22a1b6910826667) and basic instructions for using the tool are [here](https://docs.doltlab.com/basic#troubleshoot-smtp-connection).

## Next Steps

* [Start DoltLab](https://docs.doltlab.com/administrator-guides/installation/start-doltlab)