Proxmox

Proxmox is an exceptional, robust, and highly sophisticated Virtualization Operating System, firmly rooted in the Linux ecosystem. What sets it apart is its unwavering commitment to being an open-source solution, offering the flexibility of self-hosting. While I typically explore Docker-based applications for virtualization, there are distinct advantages to having the capability to install an entire operating system as a virtual machine, and Proxmox excels in this domain as an invaluable tool for managing these virtual environments.

Installation Process:

Step 1: Obtain the Installation ISO

To kickstart your Proxmox journey, begin by acquiring the Proxmox VE installation ISO, which can be downloaded from this link. For those who prefer BitTorrent, you can obtain the torrent file here.

Step 2: Write the ISO to a USB Drive

Once the ISO file is downloaded, you'll need to write it to a USB flash drive. I highly recommend using an 8 GB or larger flash drive for this task. Be aware that this process will erase all existing data on the flash drive.

Utilize a tool such as Balena Etcher to simplify the ISO burning process. After installing Etcher, launch the application, select the ISO image, designate your Flash Drive (be cautious not to select the wrong drive), then click "Flash." If prompted, provide your admin credentials. Allow the process to complete, then remove the drive, ready to use for installing Proxmox VE on your target machine.

Step 3: Initiate the Installation

On the machine where you've inserted your USB drive, power it up and utilize the hotkey designated by your system's motherboard to access the boot device selection menu. The specific hotkey can vary (e.g., F12, Delete, ESC, F9, F10, F11), so determine the correct one for your system. Power on the machine, then press the hotkey approximately once per second until you access the list of boot options.

If your machine is configured for UEFI mode, choose the UEFI boot option for your USB flash drive. For those using legacy BIOS, select the corresponding option for your flash drive.

Press Enter and exercise patience as the installation loads.

Step 4: Installation Wizard

Select "Install Proxmox-VE" and hit Enter.

Accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) by clicking "Agree" in the bottom right corner.

Choose the drive where you wish to install Proxmox VE, ensuring it's the correct one, then click 'Next.'

Provide your Country, Time Zone, and other required information, then click 'Next.'

Set your desired root user password twice and enter a valid email address, then click 'Next.'

Select the host NIC (network card) you want as your primary network interface. Enter a host name (e.g., my-virtual-machines.local), set an IP address if the automatic one doesn't suit your needs, and verify your gateway and DNS server settings. If necessary, adjust these settings to your preferences, then click 'Next.'

On the summary screen, review all the selected settings, and if everything appears correct, click 'Install.'

Once the installation completes, you may choose to reboot the machine. Feel free to remove the monitor, as you'll access Proxmox VE via your web browser.

Accessing Proxmox VE via WebUI

Navigate to your machine's IP address at port 8006, entering it in this format on your browser (e.g., 192.168.0.21:8006/). Ensure you include that trailing '/' for proper resolution. Of course, replace this example with your own IP address.

You might encounter a self-signed certificate warning. Since this installation is within your local network, these certificates are safe to accept. Proceed accordingly.

At the login screen, input 'root' as your username and the root password you established during the installation.

Click 'Login.'

Exploring the Web UI

Upon logging in, you may receive a prompt regarding a license key. This is a common practice among open-source projects like Proxmox to support ongoing development. Should you choose to continue using Proxmox, purchasing a license key is a worthy consideration, as it helps sustain the project.

Next, take a moment to explore the user interface, and consider following along with the accompanying video at the top to familiarize yourself with the various sections and options available within Proxmox VE.

Congratulations! You've accomplished the successful installation of Proxmox and gained access to its rich features and capabilities. Your journey into the world of virtualization begins here.

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