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Proxmox Installation Guide

Proxmox Virtual Environment (PVE) is the core virtualization platform for the Homelab. Standard Debian-based installation procedures are followed.

1. Preparation

Requirements

  • Hardware: Intel/AMD 64-bit CPU with virtualization support (VT-x or AMD-V).
  • Storage: Dedicated drive for the OS (SSD recommended).
  • Network: Wired Ethernet connection.

Pre-Installation Steps

  1. Download ISO: Obtain the latest Proxmox VE ISO from the official Downloads page.
  2. Create Boot Media: Flash the ISO to a USB drive using Rufus or BalenaEtcher.
  3. Establish Network Configuration: Prepare static IP details:
    • IP Address: <PROXMOX_IP>
    • Gateway: <GATEWAY_IP>
    • DNS: 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8.

2. Installation Procedure

Booting

  1. Insert the USB drive and boot the server.
  2. Select Install Proxmox VE (Graphical) from the boot menu.

Configuration Steps

  1. EULA: Accept the End User License Agreement.
  2. Target Harddisk: Select the installation drive. Options for ZFS/BTRFS RAID are available under "Options" if multiple drives are present.
  3. Location and Time Zone: Set appropriate locale and time zone data.
  4. Administration Password: Set a strong root password and provide an email address for system alerts.
  5. Management Network Configuration:
    • Interface: Select the management NIC.
    • Hostname (FQDN): Assign a name (e.g., pve.home.arpa).
    • IP Address: Assign the prepared static <PROXMOX_IP>.
    • Gateway/DNS: Enter the prepared network details.

3. Initial Access

  1. Remove the installation media and reboot.
  2. Access the web interface via a browser: https://<PROXMOX_IP>:8006.
  3. Log in with:
    • User: root
    • Password: [Assigned during setup]
    • Realm: Linux PAM standard authentication.