Install Ubuntu Desktop and Server on Proxmox: Step-by-Step Guide

Running Ubuntu Desktop and Server as virtual machines on Proxmox (VMware ESXi alternative) brings a host of benefits, including streamlined resource management, enhanced scalability, and improved system isolation. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of installing Ubuntu Desktop and Server on Proxmox, empowering you to leverage the full potential of virtualization in your setup.

Whether you're looking to optimize your server resources or create a flexible development environment, this tutorial will provide you with the insights and instructions needed to get started.

Step 1: Download Ubuntu ISO Images

Navigate to the official Ubuntu website to download the latest versions of Ubuntu Desktop and Server ISO files.

Step 2: Upload ISO to Proxmox VE

1. 1. Access the Proxmox web interface.
2. 2. Upload the downloaded Ubuntu ISO images to the Proxmox storage:

• In the Proxmox web GUI, select the storage location (e.g., 'local') from the left-hand panel.
• Click on the 'ISO Images' section.
• Press the 'Upload' button and select the Ubuntu ISO files from your local machine to upload.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

Initiate the VM creation process in Proxmox:

• Click on 'Create VM' in the top-right corner of the Proxmox interface.
• Assign a unique VM ID and name (e.g., 'Ubuntu-Desktop' or 'Ubuntu-Server').

Configure VM Settings

OS Selection: Choose the uploaded Ubuntu ISO as the installation medium.

System Settings:

• BIOS: Select 'SeaBIOS' for BIOS or 'OVMF (UEFI)' for UEFI firmware.
• Machine Type: Opt for 'q35' for better hardware compatibility.

Hard Disk:

• Bus/Device: Select 'VirtIO Block' for optimal performance.
• Disk Size: Allocate appropriate storage space (e.g., 20GB or more).

CPU:

• Cores: Assign the desired number of CPU cores.
• Type: Set to 'host' to match the host CPU.

Memory:

• Allocate sufficient RAM (e.g., 2048MB for Desktop, 1024MB for Server).

Network:

• Model: Choose 'VirtIO' for efficient network performance.

Step 4: Install Ubuntu on the VM

1. 1. Start the VM and open the console to access the installation interface.
2. 2. Follow the Ubuntu installation prompts:

• Select language and keyboard layout.
• Configure network settings if necessary.
• Choose installation type (e.g., 'Erase disk and install Ubuntu').
• Set up user credentials and system preferences.

Step 5: Post-Installation Configuration

1. Install QEMU Guest Agent:

• Update the package list:

• Install the QEMU Guest Agent:

• Enable and start the service:

1. 2. Network Configuration:

• Verify network connectivity.
• Configure static IP if required for server environments.

Step 6: Accessing the Ubuntu VM

For Ubuntu Desktop:

• Use the Proxmox console for GUI access.
• Optionally, set up remote desktop protocols (e.g., RDP or VNC) for external access.

For Ubuntu Server:

Access via SSH:

• Install OpenSSH Server if not already installed:

• Connect using an SSH client from your local machine.

Conclusion

In this guide, we've walked through the process of installing Ubuntu Desktop and Server on Proxmox VE, from downloading the necessary ISO images to configuring and accessing your virtual machines. By leveraging Proxmox's powerful virtualization capabilities, you can efficiently manage and optimize your IT resources. As you become more familiar with this setup, consider exploring further configurations and integrations to enhance your virtualized environment, such as setting up automated backups, implementing advanced networking features, or integrating with other cloud services. This flexibility allows you to tailor your infrastructure to meet specific needs and maximize performance.

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