Lab 2 Warnings / Debrief

Preparing for Lab 2

Purpose / Objectives of Lab2

The c7host Linux server will run virtualization software to install and run 3 virtual machines (installed in lab2).

In this lab, you will create three virtual machines. This also gives you an opportunity to experiment with different ways of installing CentOS.

Main Objectives

• Installing Virtualization Software on your c7host machine
• Create 3 separate VMs (virtual machines) using different installation methods:

• Centos Live DVDInstallation (Hostname: centos1)
• Network Installation without configuration file (Hostname: centos2)
• Network Installation with Kickstart file (Hostname: centos3)

• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of installation, and be able to select the best installation method for a particular situation.
• Manipulate virtual machines by CLI (virsh)
• Properly backup VMs and VM configuration in virtual manager application onto home directory and to external source (USB Key)
• Observe how Bash Shell Scripting can be used to automate routine tasks involving VM management

Common Mistakes / Warnings

Be Aware of the Following Issues
Be aware of these common mistakes that students make that can cause problems for their future labs.

• Use comparison chart on lab2 logbook to record your findings as you install each VM.
• After using the yum install command to install the virtualization software, you MUST issue commands to start the virtulatization service and restart the firewall!
• Best to start the virtual Manager by menu instead of command line (i.e. Applications > System Tools > Virtual Machine Manager)
  
  
• FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY in terms of hard disk sizes, image pathnames, RAM size, etc! Not following instructions can lead to removing VM and starting again.
  
  
• If need to start-over, you can right-click on VM in Virtual Machine Manager, and remove (Make certain "delete files" is also selected, so you can re-use VM name).
• Installation of centos2 and centos3 can only be performed at college since it uses internal Belmont network!
• Make certain to do following for EACH Virtual Machine:
  • Start ssh service
  • Create firewall exception to allow ssh traffic for ssh (iptables)
  • Disable SElinux
  
  
  

Preparing for Lab Sign-Off

Students should be prepared with all required commands (system information) displayed in a terminal (or multiple terminals) prior to calling the instructor for signoff.

In order to properly complete your lab and move to the next lab, you must have your instructor "sign-off" on your lab

• Each "signed-off" lab (before due date) is worth 1% of your final grade.
• Signing-off on labs help to spot errors that can cause problems with future labs.
• Do you ask the instructor what to check for! Read at the bottom of the lab the requirements, and have all proof available for instructor to view at same time.
• Failing to be prepared and asking instructor what to check when assignment is mark will result in deduct of marks!
• For example, open multiple terminals with command results. If properly set-up ahead of sign-off, the process should only take instructor approx 20 seconds to sign-off your lab.
• If you do not have your lab-logbook, you MUST show your work and your lab log-book to your instructor for sign-off in the next class. This may cause a late penalty if past the required due date.