Setup Red Hat Enterprise Linux VM
- Logan Toms
- Dec 1, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 17, 2023
If you're interested in learning how to set up a Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) server using VirtualBox, you've come to the right place. Setting up a virtual machine (VM) or testing environment is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with new technologies and operating systems. In this guide, we'll take you through configuring virtual machine hardware, installing the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) ISO, and verifying that your system is ready. We'll explain each step in detail to guide you through the process and help you understand the significance of each action. Whether setting up a testing environment or exploring Linux systems, this guide will provide you with the skills needed to set up a Red Hat Enterprise Linux VM. So, let's get started!
Table of Contents
Terminology
Virtual Machine (VM): A software emulation of a physical computer. It runs an operating system and applications, behaving like an independent computer within a host machine.
VirtualBox: An open-source virtualization software that allows you to create and manage VMs. It acts as the platform where the RHEL VM is set up and operated.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL): A widespread distribution of Linux designed for enterprises, known for its stability, security, and scalability. RHEL is often used in server environments.
ISO Image: An archive file containing a replica of optical disc data. In this context, it refers to the RHEL installation file in ISO format.
Root Account: A default administrative account in Linux systems, including RHEL. It has full access to all commands and files in the system.
sudo (SuperUser DO): A command in UNIX and Linux systems that allows a permitted user to execute a command as the superuser or another user, as specified in the security policy.
SAMaccountName: A term originating from Windows Active Directory, referring to the logon name used to support clients and servers from a previous version of Windows. It's used here metaphorically to describe a naming convention for user accounts in RHEL.
System Administration: Managing and maintaining a multi-user computing environment like a RHEL server.
Unattended Installation: A setup process where installation proceeds without requiring input from the user. This guide opts for a manual setup instead.
Pre-requisites: Getting Ready for Setup
Having all the necessary tools is crucial before we begin setting up our Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) Virtual Machine (VM). I've chosen VirtualBox as our virtualization platform for this endeavor. Additionally, you'll need either the 60-day Product Trial of Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server or a RHEL ISO image that you already have.
Essential Downloads for Setup
To ensure you can follow along with this tutorial smoothly, please make sure you've downloaded and installed the following:
VirtualBox: This is the virtualization software I'll use throughout this guide. It's user-friendly and quite effective for running a RHEL VM.
60-day Product Trial of Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server: If you don't already have a RHEL ISO, this trial is an excellent way to get started. You can sign up for it on the Red Hat official website. Creating an account and beginning your free trial is a simple process.
Setting Up The Virtual Machine Hardware
We will set up the virtual machine hardware within VirtualBox and load our Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) ISO.
Step 1: Launch VirtualBox and Create a New Virtual Machine
Open the VirtualBox application on your computer and click the "New" button. This will open the "Create Virtual Machine" window.
Step 2: Configure Virtual Machine Name and Operating system
Once the "Create Virtual Machine" window opens, input the following details:
Name: Enter a name for your virtual machine. This helps to identify it later.
Folder: Specify the file location where the new virtual machine will be stored on your computer.
ISO Image: Select "Other..." from the dropdown menu if you do not see your RHEL ISO image listed. Then, go to the file folder where your image is stored and select it.
Skip Unattended Installation: Ensure this option is checked, as we will continue with a manual setup for this VM.
Step 3: Allocate Memory and Processors
Next, move on to the hardware settings, where you will set the amount of RAM and CPU cores to allocate to your virtual machine.
Base Memory: refers to the amount of RAM allocated to your virtual machine. For this lab setup, give at least 4 GB (4000 MB). You can adjust these allocations later if needed.
Processors: Determine the number of CPU cores allocated to your virtual machine. I assigned two cores for better performance; however, one core will also work.
Step 4: Allocate Virtual Hard Disk Space
Lastly, designate the amount of hard drive space to assign from your computer to the virtual machine.
Disk Size: This is the amount of hard drive space allocated to your virtual machine. For this lab setup, assign 20 GB. Remember, you can constantly adjust these allocations later if necessary.
Step 5: Review the Summary and Create Your Virtual Machine
Review your virtual machine's configuration in the setup wizard's final summary section and select Finish to create.
Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux ISO
In this section, we will install the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) ISO onto our newly created virtual machine.
Step 1: Start the Virtual Machine and Install RHEL 9.3
Once you have started your virtual machine, the first screen displayed is the RHEL installation screen. We will want to select the Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.3 option here.
Step 2: Selecting Language Preferences
Choose your language preference on the initial welcome screen, then select Continue.
Step 3: Setting Up Installation
On the INSTALLATION SUMMARY screen, there are a few requirements we will need to set up before we can begin the installation. First, we will register our software to Red Hat, then we will focus on the options with an orange caution sign and red text.
Step 3.1: Connecting to Red Hat
Under the SOFTWARE category, select Connect to Red Hat. Here we will register our software with our Red Hat account. This will allow us to take full advantage of REHL features. Enter the email and password used when creating an account for the 60-day Product Trial. Then select Regester.
Step 3.1: Installation Destination
Under the SYSTEM category, select Installation Destination. Here, it wants us to confirm the default configuration of Automatic Storage Configuration. Ensure this option is selected and click Done (in the upper left) to complete.
Step 3.2: Root Password
Under the USER SETTINGS category, select Root Password. We will set up the password for the root account used for system administration here.
Security Note: as stated in previous blog posts, using a root account for routine system administration poses significant security risks. The root user has unrestricted access and control over the entire system, which can lead to catastrophic system-wide changes or security breaches. A regular user account with necessary privileges via 'sudo' for administrative tasks is recommended. This approach minimizes potential damage from errors and provides an audit trail for system changes. Always authenticate as root only when necessary and with a heightened awareness of the executed commands.
Within the Root Password field, enter a strong and secure password. I chose the Lock root account option to add a layer of security to my server; however, this is optional. Select Done to save changes and return to the summary screen.
Step 3.3: User Creation
Under the USER SETTINGS category, select User Creation. We will set up our admin account to perform system administration tasks.
Full name: enter the full name of the user
User name: mirroring the SAMaccountName format used in Windows Active Directory (AD), I opted to initiate the username with 'rhel' to associate the account with its specific server. This was followed by adopting the same naming convention we utilized in our previous AD labs. To conclude, I appended an abbreviation that denotes the account type; in this instance, 'sadm' signifies a 'system administrator' account. This structured approach aids in maintaining consistency across different systems and enhances ease of account management and identification.
Make this user administrator: check this box to elevate the account permissions to administrative.
Password: set a strong, secure, and memorable password for the account. We will be prompted to enter this password at logon and when using sudo privileges.
Select Done to save changes and return to the summary screen.
Step 4: Begin Installation
Now that we have addressed all required fields for setup, we should no longer see any caution symbols or red text, and the Begin Installation button is enabled for us to select.
Step 5: Reboot System
After installation is complete, you will be prompted to reboot the system.
Now that the installation has been completed successfully and after rebooting your machine, you should return to the login screen with the system admin account we set up during the user creation step 3.3. Use the password created during setup to log in.
Conclusion: Foundation in Red Hat Enterprise Linux
By following this guide, you have successfully set up a Red Hat Enterprise Linux environment. This environment can be used for experimenting with Linux servers, allowing you to delve into server management, test enterprise-level applications, and explore advanced Linux functionalities. As we continue our exploration of Linux server management, this setup will serve as a solid foundation for further learning and discovery.
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