Tag Archives: linux

ProxMox server configuration

HowTo, Hypervisors, IT, Software, , , , ,

Proxmox logo

I recently had the pleasure of configuring ProxMox server on an old Intel NUC mini PC. For those that aren’t aware ProxMox is a virtualisation platform, in the same line as Hyper-V, or Nutanix, or VMWare. The only main difference is that you can get a fully functional version of ProxMox for free, yes you read that correctly, for free! It’s Linux (Ubuntu) based, so what’s not to love!

Due to the Broadcom takeover of VMWare and licensing cost hikes, a lot of large organisations are migrating over to ProxMox, which overs a fairly seamless transfer process.

As it turns out, the install of the ProxMox hypervisor or host, was slightly more involved as the graphics drivers on my particular NUC were slightly difficult. After much Googling, and hunting I was able to find the steps required. The errors that I had encountered were related to Framebuffer errors. The install was successful by using “text mode” installation and switching afterwards. A useful YouTube video was discovered to assist with the process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6fRTpmmuHs

The following ProxMox forum discussion also assisted with the error – https://forum.proxmox.com/threads/generic-solution-when-install-gets-framebuffer-mode-fails.111577/

From my experience, also worth using a USB3 stick for installation.

Kudos to the Home Automation Guy who’s setup guide for ProxMox assisted me with the initial setup. It also linked through to the community scripts, where a PVE Post Install script was linked. The location has changed and is now available here: https://community-scripts.github.io/ProxmoxVE/scripts?id=post-pve-install&category=Proxmox+%26+Virtualization

This is quite honestly a treasure trove of scripts and you can knock your socks off with what you want to run there.

Even considering the problems I had with the initial install, the overall configuration only took 4hrs – for someone that hadn’t touched it before I would say that’s good going! Management is via web console and via terminal (SSH). It’s super quick and efficient. The hypervisor is currently running a single Linux VM hosting Lyrion Music Server, for more information on my endeavours you can visit our entertainment personal blog.

I’ll put some more points here when I recall them, but so far my experience with ProxMox has been great! Go and take a look 🙂

Time to get a Password Manager – 1Password tested!

HowTo, Software, , , , , , ,

1PasswordLogoWe’ve used 1Password for quite some time (around 5 years, if not longer) so thought a post here to talk of its merits was justified.

If you’ve not heard of a password manager before, in short it’s an application that helps you generate strong and random passwords and makes it easy for you to save them and use them for any web site or service you may use. They hold your details in an encrypted database that not even the developers have access to. If you get locked out you have lost your passwords, which is why many services offer an emergency access code that they recommend you print and keep in a safe and secure location.

Many password managers integrate well with many popular operating systems (Windows, Mac, and even Linux) and all the popular web browsers, and phones. The idea being that you can access your secure passwords wherever you are and even when you don’t have internet access.

1Password syncs with your Cloud Account using the 1Password Families subscription which allows 5 members of your family to use the service across platforms.

We all know that one person who has the same password for every account they use. When you think about it, that’s one password that a hacker needs to guess and voila, they have access to your email where they then can see all the accounts you may use and gain access to as well. Once they’re in they can probably make orders with your Amazon account, and other web shops where you have your card details saved.

Not wanting to scare you here, but the same time give you an insight of what so many people do…

You can take a trial of the service by following this link https://start.1password.com/sign-up/family?l=en

We’re in no way affiliated with 1Password and not being paid for this post. We just love the software and recommend it for your password manager too!