Deploying a Linux VM on Harvester: Easy as Expected

In my previous article, we explored how to integrate Harvester into the Rancher UI and create a new K8s cluster with just a few clicks. Today, we’re going to take it up a notch and see how fast we can deploy a Linux VM using Harvester. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than expected!

To get started, you’ll need an img or qcow2 file of your preferred Linux distribution. I’m using Ubuntu in this example, so I’ll be importing the latest version from cloud-images.ubuntu.com. Once you have your image file ready, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Images tab in Harvester and click on “Create.”

2. Select “Import Image” and choose the image file you prepared earlier.

3. Wait for the import to complete, and once it does, you’ll see your new image appear under the “Images” tab.

4. Now, navigate to the Virtual Machines tab and click on “Create.”

5. Select “Linux” as the type and choose the newly imported image. You can also assign a name and description for your VM if desired.

6. Click on “Advance Options” to customize your VM further. Here’s where things get interesting!

7. Harvester offers a feature called “Namespace,” which is inspired by Kubernetes. With Namespace, you can logically separate your VM from other projects or owners, creating a more organized and secure environment.

8. Once you’ve configured your VM settings, click on “Create” to deploy your new Linux VM.

9. Finally, you can interact with your new VM using the console interface, just like any other virtual machine platform. The IP address assigned is from a DHCP network outside the Harvester environment, which allows for easy configuration and management of your VM.

As you can see, deploying a Linux VM on Harvester is incredibly straightforward. In fact, it’s almost too easy! With just a few clicks, you can have a fully functional virtual machine up and running, complete with customizable settings and the ability to separate your VM from other projects. Of course, this is just the beginning – we’ll be exploring more advanced features like Windows VM creation and ISO image import in future articles. Stay tuned!

So there you have it, folks! Harvester makes deploying a Linux VM a breeze, and with Namespace, you can take your virtualization game to the next level. Don’t forget to check out my previous article on integrating Harvester into Rancher UI for more information on how to get started with this powerful platform. Until next time, stay automated and keep on containerizing!