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Automating the installation of Redhat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) on virtual machines (VMs) can save time, reduce human error, and ensure consistent configurations across multiple instances. In this Attune Project, we'll Kickstart and streamline the installation of RHEL on VMware ESXi.

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Automate Red Hat Enterprise Linux RHEL Installation with Kickstart on ESXi

Automating the installation of Redhat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) on virtual machines (VMs) can save time, reduce human error, and ensure consistent configurations across multiple instances. In this Attune Project, we'll Kickstart and streamline the installation of RHEL on VMware ESXi.

Clone this Project from GitHub

Linked Attune Projects:

Understanding Kickstart

Kickstart is an unattended installation method used primarily in Red Hat-based Linux distributions like RHEL, CentOS, and Fedora. It involves providing a predefined configuration file, often referred to as a "Kickstart file", which contains instructions on how the operating system should be installed. These instructions range from language settings to disk partitioning and package selection. The Kickstart file automates the installation process by eliminating the need for manual intervention during setup.

Why Kickstart with ESXi

VMware ESXi is a widely-used hypervisor that allows you to run multiple VMs on a single physical server. Installing and configuring each VM manually can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially in large-scale deployments. Integrating Kickstart with ESXi brings a higher level of efficiency and consistency to the VM provisioning process. It ensures that RHEL installations on ESXi follow a standardised configuration every time.

Attune

Attune automates and orchestrates processes to streamline deployments, scaling, migrations, and management of your systems. The Attune platform is building a community of sharable automated and orchestrated processes.

You can leverage the publicly available orchestrated blueprints to increase your productivity, and accelerate the delivery of your projects. You can open-source your own work and improve existing community orchestrated projects.

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The Attune Community Edition can be downloaded for free from our ServerTribe website. You can learn more about Attune through ServerTribe's YouTube Channel.

Clone this Project

To clone this project into your own instance of Attune, follow the Clone a GIT Project How To Instructions.

Blueprints

This Project contains the following Blueprints.

Kickstart RHEL7 BIOS on ESXi

In this Attune Blueprint, we'll automate the process of provisioning a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (RHEL 7) machine with BIOS boot using Kickstart on VMware ESXi.

Automating the deployment of operating systems is a critical aspect of modern IT infrastructure management.

The Kickstart method is a powerful tool that allows system administrators to streamline the installation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) on virtual machines (VMs) running on VMware ESXi.

Clone this Project from GitHub

Linked Attune Projects:

Understanding Kickstart Automation

Kickstart simplifies the installation of RHEL by using a configuration file that provides instructions for various installation settings. These settings range from language preferences to disk partitioning and package selection. By automating these settings, Kickstart eliminates the need for manual intervention during the installation process, making it a valuable time-saving tool.

The Need for BIOS Boot on ESXi

VMware ESXi is a hypervisor that enables the virtualisation of multiple guest VMs on a single physical server. In scenarios where BIOS boot is required instead of the more modern UEFI boot, the Kickstart automation process can be tailored to accommodate these requirements. BIOS boot is often preferred for compatibility with legacy systems or certain configurations.

Kickstart RHEL7 UEFI on ESXi

In this Attune Blueprint, we'll automate the process of provisioning a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (RHEL 7) machine with UEFI boot using Kickstart on VMware ESXi.

Automating the deployment of operating systems is a critical aspect of modern IT infrastructure management.

The Kickstart method is a powerful tool that allows system administrators to streamline the installation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) on virtual machines (VMs) running on VMware ESXi.

Clone this Project from GitHub

Linked Attune Projects:

Understanding Kickstart Automation

Kickstart simplifies the installation of RHEL by using a configuration file that provides instructions for various installation settings. These settings range from language preferences to disk partitioning and package selection. By automating these settings, Kickstart eliminates the need for manual intervention during the installation process, making it a valuable time-saving tool.

Importance of UEFI Boot on ESXi

VMware ESXi serves as a hypervisor that facilitates the virtualisation of multiple VMs on a single physical server. In instances where modern hardware and operating systems are utilised, Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) boot has become the standard. UEFI provides enhanced security, faster boot times, and compatibility with larger disks. Understanding how to incorporate UEFI boot into an automated installation is crucial for maintaining a current and efficient IT environment.

Kickstart RHEL8 BIOS on ESXi

In this Attune Blueprint, we'll automate the process of provisioning a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 (RHEL 8) machine with BIOS boot using Kickstart on VMware ESXi.

Automating the deployment of operating systems is a critical aspect of modern IT infrastructure management.

The Kickstart method is a powerful tool that allows system administrators to streamline the installation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) on virtual machines (VMs) running on VMware ESXi.

Clone this Project from GitHub

Linked Attune Projects:

Understanding Kickstart Automation

Kickstart simplifies the installation of RHEL by using a configuration file that provides instructions for various installation settings. These settings range from language preferences to disk partitioning and package selection. By automating these settings, Kickstart eliminates the need for manual intervention during the installation process, making it a valuable time-saving tool.

The Need for BIOS Boot on ESXi

VMware ESXi is a hypervisor that enables the virtualisation of multiple guest VMs on a single physical server. In scenarios where BIOS boot is required instead of the more modern UEFI boot, the Kickstart automation process can be tailored to accommodate these requirements. BIOS boot is often preferred for compatibility with legacy systems or certain configurations.

Kickstart RHEL8 UEFI on ESXi

In this Attune Blueprint, we'll automate the process of provisioning a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 (RHEL 8) machine with UEFI boot using Kickstart on VMware ESXi.

Automating the deployment of operating systems is a critical aspect of modern IT infrastructure management.

The Kickstart method is a powerful tool that allows system administrators to streamline the installation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) on virtual machines (VMs) running on VMware ESXi.

Clone this Project from GitHub

Linked Attune Projects:

Understanding Kickstart Automation

Kickstart simplifies the installation of RHEL by using a configuration file that provides instructions for various installation settings. These settings range from language preferences to disk partitioning and package selection. By automating these settings, Kickstart eliminates the need for manual intervention during the installation process, making it a valuable time-saving tool.

Importance of UEFI Boot on ESXi

VMware ESXi serves as a hypervisor that facilitates the virtualisation of multiple VMs on a single physical server. In instances where modern hardware and operating systems are utilised, Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) boot has become the standard. UEFI provides enhanced security, faster boot times, and compatibility with larger disks. Understanding how to incorporate UEFI boot into an automated installation is crucial for maintaining a current and efficient IT environment.

Kickstart RHEL9 BIOS on ESXi

In this Attune Blueprint, we'll automate the process of provisioning a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 (RHEL 9) machine with BIOS boot using Kickstart on VMware ESXi.

Automating the deployment of operating systems is a critical aspect of modern IT infrastructure management.

The Kickstart method is a powerful tool that allows system administrators to streamline the installation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) on virtual machines (VMs) running on VMware ESXi.

Clone this Project from GitHub

Linked Attune Projects:

Understanding Kickstart Automation

Kickstart simplifies the installation of RHEL by using a configuration file that provides instructions for various installation settings. These settings range from language preferences to disk partitioning and package selection. By automating these settings, Kickstart eliminates the need for manual intervention during the installation process, making it a valuable time-saving tool.

The Need for BIOS Boot on ESXi

VMware ESXi is a hypervisor that enables the virtualisation of multiple guest VMs on a single physical server. In scenarios where BIOS boot is required instead of the more modern UEFI boot, the Kickstart automation process can be tailored to accommodate these requirements. BIOS boot is often preferred for compatibility with legacy systems or certain configurations.

Kickstart RHEL9 UEFI on ESXi

In this Attune Blueprint, we'll automate the process of provisioning a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 (RHEL 9) machine with UEFI boot using Kickstart on VMware ESXi.

Automating the deployment of operating systems is a critical aspect of modern IT infrastructure management.

The Kickstart method is a powerful tool that allows system administrators to streamline the installation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) on virtual machines (VMs) running on VMware ESXi.

Clone this Project from GitHub

Linked Attune Projects:

Understanding Kickstart Automation

Kickstart simplifies the installation of RHEL by using a configuration file that provides instructions for various installation settings. These settings range from language preferences to disk partitioning and package selection. By automating these settings, Kickstart eliminates the need for manual intervention during the installation process, making it a valuable time-saving tool.

Importance of UEFI Boot on ESXi

VMware ESXi serves as a hypervisor that facilitates the virtualisation of multiple VMs on a single physical server. In instances where modern hardware and operating systems are utilised, Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) boot has become the standard. UEFI provides enhanced security, faster boot times, and compatibility with larger disks. Understanding how to incorporate UEFI boot into an automated installation is crucial for maintaining a current and efficient IT environment.

Parameters

Name Type Script Reference Comment
Automation Worker Base Directory Text automationworkerbasedirectory
Automation Worker Linux Node Linux/Unix Node automationworkerlinuxnode
Automation Worker User Linux/Unix Credential automationworkeruser
Automation Worker User: root Linux/Unix Credential automationworkeruserroot
New VM Node Linux/Unix Node newvmnode
New VM User: root Linux/Unix Credential newvmuserroot

Files

Name Type Comment

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Automating the installation of Redhat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) on virtual machines (VMs) can save time, reduce human error, and ensure consistent configurations across multiple instances. In this Attune Project, we'll Kickstart and streamline the installation of RHEL on VMware ESXi.

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