Introduction
In this How-to we will use a Golden Image, Templates, and Guest OS Specification to demonstrate an efficient virtual machine deployment process.
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Guest OS Specification: A Guest OS Specification is a set of customized settings that can be applied during the VM creation process, such as hostname, network configuration, time zone, and domain membership.
TLDR Steps:
Create a Golden Image Virtual Machine
Convert the Golden Image virtual machine to a template
Use the Golden Image Template to deploy VMs with Guest OS Customization Specification
Applying updates to VM Templates
Detailed step-by-step guide:
Create a Golden Image Virtual Machine:
VM Creation: Start by creating a new VM, either from scratch or by cloning an existing VM.
OS Installation: Install the Windows operating system on the VM, along with any necessary updates, patches, and drivers.
Application Installation: Install the required applications and software that will be included in the Golden Image.
Configuration: Configure the OS and applications according to your departments standards. This might include security settings, networking configurations, and other customizations.
Optimization: Fine-tune the VM for performance by optimizing settings, disabling unnecessary services, and cleaning up unnecessary files.
Sysprep: Run the System Preparation Tool (Sysprep) to generalize the VM, removing unique identifiers and preparing it for duplication.
Convert the Golden Image virtual machine to a template:
Login to the ITS Private Cloud Portal:
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Congratulations you have created a Golden Image VM Template, it can now be used to efficiently deploy VMs!
Use the Golden Image Template to deploy VMs with Guest OS Customization Specification:
To create a new VM using the Template, start by clicking the + button in the top right.
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Logging in to the virtual machine we can confirm the Guest OS Customization Specification was applied.
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Applying updates to VM Templates:
Click the Menu button in the top right corner.
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NOTE: Ensure you run sysprep before converting the VM back to Template.
\uD83D\uDCCB Related articles
Guest OS customization runs on Windows Guests
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