Hello everybody.
So I recently got my hands-on Proxmox Virtualization Environment for my Home Server. It’s not actually a dedicated server, but rather a personalized CPU that is capable of running like a server 24×7.
Proxmox can be installed on pretty much any modern systems. You can check the hardware requirements from the below link:
I was going through some virtualization solution on the Internet and found a few great solutions. These include the VMware ESXi and Proxmox. However, I already had a hands-on experience with ESXi, so why not Proxmox this time. It’s open-source, easy to use and also offers a ton of options with respect to virtualization and containerization.
Proxmox is a type 1 hypervisor, also known as Bare Metal Hypervisor, which is very similar to being hosted as a very small Operating System with full utilization of the host’s resources. The software solution we use on Windows, or Mac, or Linux is the Type 2 hypervisor, that runs as a software component on top of the core Operating System.
So, it is pretty clear that Type 1 hypervisors do provide enhanced computing capabilities as compared to the Type 2 hypervisors.
Download Rufus from https://rufus.ie/en/ and select the ISO image with a Flash Drive plugged in to the host machine. Use the dd mode when asked for flashing the ISO in the flash drive.
Plug in the drive to the Server to boot up from the USB, along with an Ethernet Cable connecting the server to the Router. Note: You can choose the USB boot from the System BIOS Boot Option. The Boot from USB keyboard shortcut depends on the Hardware model. It can be Esc, F2, F10, F11, or F12.
On the Proxmox VE boots up, just press Enter to Install Proxmox VE.
The setup process is pretty simple. Just Enter your Country, Time Zone, Password, Email.
For the Management Network Configuration:
| Options | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Management Interface | Self-populated |
| FQDN | proxmox.local |
| IP Address | A static IP from your network. If your IP range is like 192.168.0.110, you can use 192.168.0.111 |
| Netmask | Use the Network Netmask based on the IP Address Class. Should be self-populated |
| Gateway | Use the network gateway like 192.168.0.1 |
| DNS Server | 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS) |
The Installation should not take long, and you will be prompted with the Proxmox Welcome Screen with an IP address similar to the one used during installation along with the port 8006.
https://192.168.0.111:8006/
You are done HERE! Leave the server as it is and move to the Host machine or any Laptop / PC that is connected to the same network.
Open the above address with your preferred web browser.
You should be prompted with a login screen similar to:
Use your password to log in to the web interface.
Click on the Upload button to upload a VM ISO from the host machine.
For Containers, use the CT Templates option to upload or download a pre-built template.
I have downloaded the ubuntu-22.10 standard template.
Now, to create a VM / CT, click the Create VM / Create CT on the top right hand corner of the screen.
Fill up the details like IP Address, Name, and Password.
Wait until the below screen comes up with TASK OK.
The container will be visible on the left-hand side.
Click on Start to start the container.
Click on console to interact with the container.
Have fun creating multiple VMs and containers on Proxmox. In order to view the Tasks History and Cluster Logs, just check the bottom of the screen. You can inspect them by simply clicking on the Task.
The management process is way too simple and has all the major functionalities required for managing a server.
I am currently in the process of shifting my local services and application to this new server for easier access and better management.
I will be coming up with anything interesting that I may come up while installing these apps and services.