Install Arch Linux as VirtualBox Guest OS. Best Practices For Using Arch Linux on Servers. I've been running Arch Linux on my workstations and on servers for a long time.
Every once in a while I see a debate in an Arch Linux forum about it's suitability for use on production servers. Being a rolling release distribution, it is different than other distributions that concentrate on enterprise and long-term support like RedHat Enterprise and CentOS. Without getting too much into the pros and cons - one of the key reasons that I use Arch on servers is earlier access to newer technologies like the 3.0 Linux kernel series (with built-in xen support). Overall, though, it is due to my familiarity with and love for it. The OS that I load on my servers is there to support my applications. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list and there are different approaches to systems administration.
Dealing with "Rolling Release" Many of these things apply not just to Arch, but any rolling release distribution. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Understanding the Philosophy 9. Custom Repositories. Comprehensive Server Guide. This guide will give you an overview for the most common server options in existence and will outline some administration and security guidelines.
Preface What is a server? In essence, a server is a computer that runs services that involve clients working on remote locations. All computers run services of some kind, for example: when using Arch as a desktop you will have a network service running to connect to a network. A server will, however, run services that involve external clients, for example: a webserver will run a website to be viewed via the internet or elsewhere on a local network.
Arch Linux as a server OS You may have seen the comments or claims: Arch Linux was never intended as a server operating system! Note: Add note about users using Arch as server. Requirements For using Arch Linux on a server you will need to have an Arch Linux installation ready. In most Linux server Operating Systems you have two options: Basic set-up So what is a "basic" set-up: Remote access to the server. ArchLinux LTS Server Installation - Physics IT Support - University Wiki. Setting up an Arch Linux VM in VirtualBox. There are many Linux distributions out there.
Arch Linux is our choice. Start by reading a little bit about it: Once the VM boots successfully into the Arch Live CD image, you are ready to install Arch onto your virtual hard disk. Follow the Arch Linux Beginners’ Guide carefully step-by-step. You can start at Section 2, Installation. The Guide is very detailed and comprehensive, but sometimes it’s a bit confusing. 2.2 Establish an internet connection Assuming you have an Internet connection on your host, your guest should have it as well, so you can skip this section.2.3 Prepare the storage drive Create a single MBR partition which fills up the entire hard disk. Now you should install VirtualBox Guest Additions inside the VM. The stock kernel of Arch Linux stays pretty close to the bleeding edge, so it gets updated very frequently. Congratulations! Quickly Install an ArchLinux VM in 15 minutes. Oracle VM VirtualBox.