> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.frequencychain.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.frequencychain.org/9.-frecx-node-set-up/9.1-preparing-the-server-environment.md).

# 9.1 Preparing the Server Environment

Before installing the FreCx node, the system must be updated, and essential tools must be installed.

*<mark style="color:blue;">Updating System Packages</mark>*

Run the following command to update the package list:

```
sudo apt update
```

This command retrieves the latest list of available packages and versions.

To upgrade installed packages:

```
sudo apt upgrade -y
```

This ensures that all system packages are up to date.

*<mark style="color:blue;">Installing Required Dependencies</mark>*

FreCx node setup typically requires basic tools such as Git, curl, and build utilities.

Install them using:

```
sudo apt install -y git curl wget build-essential
```

This installs:

* git for downloading source code
* curl and wget for network operations
* build-essential for compiling dependencies

Verify installation:

```
git --version
```

```
Installing Node.js (if required)
```

Some FreCx components or tooling may require Node.js.

```
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_18.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs
```

Verify:

```
node -v
npm -v
```

*<mark style="color:blue;">Installing Docker (Optional but Recommended)</mark>*

Docker simplifies node deployment and environment management.

```
sudo apt install -y docker.io
sudo systemctl start docker
sudo systemctl enable docker
```

Verify Docker:

```
docker --version
```


---

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