Proxmox Virtual Environment (Proxmox VE) is an open-source server virtualization platform that combines two powerful technologies: virtualization using KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and containerization with LXC (Linux Containers). Installing Proxmox VE allows you to create and manage virtual machines (VMs) and containers on a single host. Below, I'll guide you through the process of installing Proxmox VE on a dedicated server or bare-metal hardware.
Prerequisites:
Before you begin the installation process, ensure that you have:
- A dedicated server or bare-metal hardware with compatible hardware specifications.
- A bootable installation medium, such as a USB drive or CD/DVD, containing the Proxmox VE ISO image. You can download the ISO image from the official Proxmox website (https://www.proxmox.com/proxmox-ve).
- Access to the server's BIOS or UEFI settings to configure the boot order.
- Basic knowledge of Linux and server administration.
Installation Steps:
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Boot from the Installation Medium:
- Insert the bootable installation medium (USB drive or CD/DVD) containing the Proxmox VE ISO image into the server.
- Power on or reboot the server and access the BIOS or UEFI settings.
- Configure the boot order to prioritize booting from the installation medium.
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Start the Installation:
- Once the server boots from the installation medium, you'll see the Proxmox VE boot menu.
- Select the "Install Proxmox VE" option and press Enter to begin the installation process.
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Select Installation Target:
- Choose the installation target for Proxmox VE. You can install it on the local disk or a RAID array.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to partition the disk and allocate storage space for the Proxmox VE installation.
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Configure Network Settings:
- During the installation process, you'll be prompted to configure network settings.
- Specify the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers for the Proxmox VE host.
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Set the Root Password:
- Create a strong root password for the Proxmox VE host. This password will be used to log in to the Proxmox web interface (Proxmox GUI).
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Complete the Installation:
- Once you've configured the necessary settings, the installation process will begin.
- Wait for the installation to complete. This may take several minutes depending on the server's hardware and the installation options chosen.
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Reboot the Server:
- After the installation is finished, remove the installation medium from the server.
- Press Enter to reboot the server.
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Access the Proxmox Web Interface:
- Once the server has rebooted, open a web browser on your local computer.
- Enter the IP address of the Proxmox VE host in the address bar (e.g., https://:8006).
- You'll be prompted to log in with the root username and the password you set during the installation process.
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Configure Proxmox VE:
- After logging in to the Proxmox web interface, you can start configuring Proxmox VE.
- Create virtual machines (VMs) and containers, manage storage, set up networking, and more using the intuitive Proxmox GUI.
Final Thoughts:
Installing Proxmox VE on dedicated hardware provides you with a powerful virtualization platform for running VMs and containers. By following the steps outlined above, you can set up Proxmox VE on your server and begin leveraging its features for your virtualization needs. Experiment with different configurations and explore the Proxmox web interface to maximize the capabilities of your Proxmox VE deployment.