Certified - CompTIA Server+

A virtualized installation involves deploying a server operating system inside a virtual machine that runs under a hypervisor. This configuration allows multiple virtual servers to operate on a single physical host, each with its own allocated resources. Virtualized deployments are foundational to modern infrastructure. Server Plus includes virtualization knowledge as part of routine deployment tasks and system resource optimization strategies.
Organizations choose virtualization to improve hardware utilization, simplify scaling, and enable better isolation between workloads. Virtual machines can be created, replicated, and restored quickly, offering flexibility that physical servers cannot match. Virtualized environments support disaster recovery, lab setups, hybrid cloud operations, and centralized administration. Server Plus includes understanding virtualization models to plan server roles and host usage effectively.
Hypervisors are the foundational software platforms that run virtual machines. Type one hypervisors run directly on the hardware and include platforms like VMware ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V. Type two hypervisors run on top of an existing operating system and include software like Oracle VirtualBox and VMware Workstation. Each type serves different environments. Server Plus includes identifying which model is appropriate for production, testing, or learning purposes.
Before creating a virtual machine, the host system must be prepared. This includes verifying that virtualization features are enabled in the BIOS or UEFI firmware, such as Intel VT-x or AMD-V. The host must also have sufficient central processing unit cores, random access memory, and available storage to support the planned number of virtual machines. The hypervisor must be compatible with the host hardware and its drivers. Server Plus includes confirming host readiness before guest deployment.
Creating a new virtual machine involves defining its virtual name, processor count, memory allocation, storage size, and network settings. These values should align with the intended workload and allow room for future adjustment. Resources such as memory or processor allocation can typically be modified later. Setting initial limits correctly reduces the need for early maintenance and avoids unnecessary reboots.
The virtual machine must be provided with installation media to deploy the guest operating system. This is commonly done by mounting an ISO file as a virtual optical drive. Alternatively, advanced environments may use preboot execution environments to install over the network. The virtual machine’s boot order must be configured to detect the installation source. If improperly configured, the guest will fail to boot or enter the hypervisor shell.
Installing the operating system on a virtual machine follows the same steps as a bare metal installation. Partitioning, language settings, administrator accounts, and network configuration are completed using the operating system’s installation tool. However, virtual environments may prompt for specific drivers or present unique hardware detection behaviors. Server Plus includes recognizing virtualization-specific prompts and addressing them using hypervisor support tools.
Once the operating system is installed, guest tools must be deployed. These include packages such as VMware Tools, Hyper-V Integration Services, or virtio drivers. They improve virtual machine performance, allow clipboard and time synchronization, and ensure support for virtualized storage and networking interfaces. These tools are essential for full functionality and should be installed immediately after the operating system setup completes.
Virtual machines can use different types of network configuration modes. These include bridged mode, where the VM appears as a peer on the host’s physical network; NAT mode, which routes VM traffic through the host’s IP; and host-only mode, which restricts access to other VMs and the host. Server Plus includes selecting the correct mode based on the VM’s workload and access requirements. Static addressing or DHCP settings must then be configured appropriately.
Storage for virtual machines is created using virtual hard disk files. These may be in formats such as VHD, VMDK, or QCOW2, depending on the hypervisor. Disks can be thin provisioned, where space is allocated as needed, or thick provisioned, where full size is reserved immediately. Thin provisioning saves space but can lead to storage exhaustion if not monitored. Server Plus includes understanding disk provisioning strategies for virtual environments.
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Once the virtual machine is deployed, resource usage must be monitored regularly. Hypervisor management dashboards display real-time statistics for CPU, memory, disk input output operations, and network activity. Resources can often be adjusted while the virtual machine is running, depending on the platform and configuration. Hot-adding resources or scaling down during low usage windows supports optimal efficiency. Server Plus includes understanding thresholds and avoiding overcommitment where unsupported.
Virtual machines can be cloned to create new instances quickly. A clone duplicates the configuration and virtual disk of an existing virtual machine. Templates serve a similar purpose but are generalized and prepared for repeated use. Cloning and templating reduce provisioning time and help maintain configuration consistency across deployments. Technicians must ensure that cloned virtual machines are renamed and readdressed before joining production environments to prevent conflicts.
Licensing must be considered separately for virtualized servers. The operating system inside the virtual machine requires a valid license, even if the hypervisor itself is free. Some virtualization platforms offer limited licensing bundles, while others require separate software agreements. Technicians must ensure that all guest operating systems are properly licensed and activated. Server Plus includes recognizing license types and usage rights in virtualized deployments.
Performance can vary significantly in virtual environments based on how resources are allocated and managed. Overcommitting CPU or memory can cause contention and degrade performance. Disk I O and network throughput may become bottlenecks if multiple virtual machines compete for the same physical interface. Administrators must monitor host and guest performance metrics and adjust allocations as needed to maintain stability.
Virtualized environments must be secured with the same rigor as physical systems. Guest operating systems should follow standard hardening procedures, including firewalls, patching, and account controls. Hypervisor access should be restricted to authorized personnel only and monitored through logging. Network segmentation should isolate management traffic from guest data. Server Plus includes securing the full virtual stack as part of best practice administration.
Hypervisors include various tools for management and control. Interfaces such as VMware vSphere, System Center Virtual Machine Manager, and virt-manager provide graphical and command-line access for tasks like live migration, backup integration, and patch management. Technicians must be familiar with these tools to monitor virtual machines, adjust resources, and manage hypervisor health. Command-line utilities may be preferred for scripted operations or bulk changes.
Proper documentation must accompany every virtualized server. Details should include the VM name, hardware allocation, host location, snapshots, and licensing status. Naming conventions and tagging systems help organize large environments. Configuration records support audits, troubleshooting, and infrastructure planning. Server Plus emphasizes documentation as a critical requirement for ongoing operations and lifecycle management.
Virtualization allows rapid deployment of scalable, flexible, and isolated server workloads. By leveraging hypervisors, templates, and virtual networking, administrators reduce hardware cost while maintaining control over resource usage. Guest operating systems require the same attention to installation, configuration, and security as their bare metal counterparts. In the next episode, we will explore remote server installation tools and techniques, including automated provisioning methods and unattended setup procedures.