Lab Intro: Creating a Virtual Machine

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through the process of creating a virtual machine (VM) using the Qwiklabs platform. Virtual machines allow you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, making them crucial for development, testing, and learning environments. By following these steps, you'll learn how to set up a VM efficiently.

Step 1: Access Qwiklabs

• Go to the Qwiklabs website: Qwiklabs.
• Sign in with your account or create a new one if you don’t have an account yet.
• Once logged in, navigate to the lab section to find the relevant lab for creating a virtual machine.

Step 2: Start the Lab

• Locate the lab titled "Creating a Virtual Machine."
• Click on the lab to start it.
• Wait for the lab environment to load; this may take a few moments.

Step 3: Configure the Virtual Machine

• After the lab environment loads, look for the option to create a new VM.
• Choose the desired operating system from the available options (e.g., Linux, Windows).
• Set the specifications for your VM:
  • CPU: Select the number of virtual CPUs.
  • Memory: Allocate the amount of RAM.
  • Disk Size: Choose the size of the virtual hard disk.

Step 4: Network and Security Settings

• Configure the network settings for your VM:
  • Select the network type (e.g., public or private).
  • Set up firewall rules if applicable (allow SSH, RDP, etc.).
• Adjust security settings according to your needs:
  • Enable or disable specific services (e.g., antivirus).
  • Set up user accounts and permissions.

Step 5: Launch the Virtual Machine

• Review your VM configuration settings to ensure accuracy.
• Click the button to create or launch the VM.
• Wait for the VM to initialize; you will receive a notification once it is ready.

Step 6: Access the Virtual Machine

• Use the cloud console or remote desktop protocol (RDP) to connect to your VM.
• Enter the necessary credentials (username and password) to log in.
• Familiarize yourself with the VM's interface and features.

Conclusion

You have successfully created and accessed a virtual machine using Qwiklabs. This process allows you to explore new operating systems, test applications, and develop software in a controlled environment. As a next step, consider experimenting with different configurations or exploring additional labs on Qwiklabs to enhance your VM skills further. Happy learning!