Top 10 Things to Do When You First Install Proxmox

Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) is a powerful, open-source virtualization platform that combines KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and LXC (Linux Containers) with a web-based management interface. If you’ve just installed Proxmox, there are a few essential steps to take to ensure your setup is secure, efficient, and ready for production. Here are the top 10 things to do when you first install Proxmox.

1. Update Your Proxmox Installation

The first step after installing Proxmox is to update it to the latest version. This ensures you have the latest features, improvements, and security patches.

apt update && apt full-upgrade

After updating, reboot your server to apply the changes.

2. Set Up a Static IP Address

A static IP address ensures that your Proxmox server is easily accessible on your network.

Edit the network configuration file:

nano /etc/network/interfaces

Update the configuration to use a static IP. Here’s an example configuration:

auto lo
iface lo inet loopback

auto eth0
iface eth0 inet static
    address 192.168.1.100
    netmask 255.255.255.0
    gateway 192.168.1.1

Save the file and restart the networking service:

systemctl restart networking

3. Configure DNS and Hostname

Proper DNS and hostname settings are crucial for the smooth operation of your Proxmox server.

Set the hostname:

hostnamectl set-hostname yourhostname

Edit the /etc/hosts file to include your server’s hostname and IP address:

nano /etc/hosts

Add a line like this:

192.168.1.100 yourhostname

4. Set Up Email Notifications

Configuring email notifications allows you to stay informed about the status and issues of your Proxmox server.

Go to Datacenter -> Options in the Proxmox web interface, and configure the email settings under Email from address and Notification email.

5. Create a Proxmox Subscription

While Proxmox VE is free, a subscription provides access to the enterprise repository, which offers tested and stable updates. You can purchase a subscription from the Proxmox website and enter it in the web interface under Datacenter -> Subscription.

6. Add a Storage Backend

Proxmox supports various storage backends, including local storage, NFS, and iSCSI. Adding a storage backend allows you to store VM and container data efficiently.

To add storage, go to Datacenter -> Storage -> Add, and choose the storage type. Configure it according to your storage setup.

7. Configure Backup Settings

Regular backups are critical for data protection. Proxmox makes it easy to configure backup jobs.

Go to Datacenter -> Backup -> Add and configure a backup job. Choose the storage location, schedule, and the VMs/containers to back up.

8. Set Up a Firewall

Proxmox includes a built-in firewall to enhance security. You can configure rules at the datacenter, host, or VM level.

Enable the firewall by going to Datacenter -> Firewall and toggle the Firewall switch. Then, add rules as needed under Datacenter -> Firewall -> Rules.

9. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

To add an extra layer of security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

Go to Datacenter -> Permissions -> Realm and select TFA. Configure the 2FA method (e.g., TOTP, WebAuthn) and follow the setup instructions.

10. Create Your First VM or Container

Finally, start creating VMs or containers to utilize your Proxmox server’s capabilities.

To create a VM, click Create VM and follow the wizard to set up your virtual machine. For containers, click Create CT and configure your container settings.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your Proxmox server is secure, up-to-date, and ready for production use. Proxmox VE offers a robust set of features for virtualization, and setting it up correctly from the start will help you get the most out of this powerful platform. Happy virtualizing!