Skip to content

Latest commit

 

History

History
141 lines (74 loc) · 5.44 KB

lab-setup.md

File metadata and controls

141 lines (74 loc) · 5.44 KB
Raw

Lab Setup 💻

Here are some suggestions for your lab setup as you watch this course.

To start, you should have at least two Linux systems, one that will act as a server and one that will act as a client. However, I recommend more! I'll be focusing on Debian Server, Ubuntu Server, CentOS Server, and a Debian Linux client with the GNOME desktop. The client side doesn't matter to much. Your options include: Debian client, Ubuntu Desktop, Fedora Workstation, and more.

Note: See my lab setup here. An image is also displayed at the bottom of this document.

If you have questions, feel free to contact me at:

Linux Options 🐧

For step-by-step installations of various Linux distributions, including Debian and Fedora, see my website: https://prowse.tech/linux-installs/

It sounds like a lot. But the more Linux systems you can install and work with, the more value you will have as a Linux Technician. Do what you can!

Machine Options ⚙️

Now, how do you install them. You have a few options:

  • Physical Machines (best option)
  • Virtual Machines (almost as good)
  • Cloud-based Machines (least recommended)

There's something to learn from each of these options, but the best method of learning is to use physical machines. For example, two laptops each equipped with wired and wireless network interface cards. Consider older equipment, that's where Linux really shines. You can find old, cheap (or free) laptops and PCs all over the place. Trust me. Consider Intel-based CPU/GPU devices as they tend to work better with Debian and other distros.

If you don't have the resources, money, or space to run physical systems, consider virtual machines. As long as your system can handle them, you can run as many virtual machines as you want. And that solution is just fine. In fact, I'll be showing a lot of demonstrations on virtual machines.

I don't recommend cloud-based machines, but it is another option. If you do go this route, make sure that the machines are on the same subnet, can communicate with each other, and that you use the console to communicate with those machines.

But again, the best ways to learn are physical machines and virtual machines.

Virtualization Options 🖥️

There are a lot of options when it comes to virtualization platforms. The easiest option is VirtualBox, but there are many others. Here are some links to several of them:

I know, tons of options! Choose what works best for you. As I mentioned, VirtualBox can be an easy solution. Consider it if you are new to virtualization.

Now... Go get your systems up and running! 👍🏼

When you are done, you can check out Lab 01.

Dave's Lab Setup

Here's an example of my lab setup for the video course:

Lab Setup

The bulk of the work I do in this video course is within the Debian, Ubuntu, and CentOS virtual machines on the 10.0.2.0 network. However, I will be showing a lot of other systems, both on-premises and on the cloud as well.

You'll note that I am using KVM as my virtualization platform. My main system runs Debian Linux and for my needs, KVM is the best option for that OS. If you run Linux, consider using KVM. It is powerful and efficient and easily automated.

For more information, check out my article and video about KVM here.

That's it for the lab setup document. Remember, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at:

Good luck with your lab setup! 👍