> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sia.tech/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sia.tech/provide-storage/setting-up-hostd/linux.md). # Linux `hostd` is designed to be run as a background service to rent out unused storage space to peers. This guide will walk you through the process of installing and configuring `hostd` on a Linux machine. Linux is the recommended operating system for running `hostd` because of its stability. We recommend using a Debian-based distribution, such as Ubuntu or Debian, but `hostd` should work on any modern Linux distribution. The setup guides in these docs are primarily focused on installing using `apt`, but `hostd` can also be installed as a binary manually or run in a Docker container. * [Debian](/provide-storage/setting-up-hostd/linux/debian.md) * [Ubuntu](/provide-storage/setting-up-hostd/linux/ubuntu.md) * [Other Distros](/provide-storage/setting-up-hostd/linux/other.md) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.sia.tech/provide-storage/setting-up-hostd/linux.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.