Virtualized Web Server
Just for fun, I virtualized my web server. I used CloneZilla to create a backup image of my current server. Then I uploaded that to the web server and used CloneZilla over ssh to load the image onto a virtual server. I had to rebuild the initrd file to look for the file system on a Virtual SCSI drive instead of the SATA drive it was on before, but after that it worked prefectly.
I am going to be rebuilding the web server soon so I am running it off of the ESXi host for a few weeks while I order some new hard drives to setup a RAID 1 array for better data security. Afterwards I am going to look into using rsync to setup a redundant virtualized web server as a backup for my current physical server.
Virtual Host Setup
Today I got my virtual host up and running. I plan on using it as a test environment while studying for the Microsoft certification exams. I would also like to learn more about virtualization and how it works since it has become a mainstream technology. I am running the free version of VMWare's ESXi, but I plan on also looking at Citrix's XenServer.
Specs:
Intel Core i5 750 @ 3.2Ghz (Stock 2.66Ghz)
8GB DDR3 1600Mhz RAM
640GB Western Digital Caviar Black HDD
Intel Pro 100/1000 Ethernet Card
CompTIA Network+ Certified
This past summer I took a course on Network Technologies and System Administration. It covered a wide range of topics including, TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, Sub-netting, Routers, Switches, Wireless Networking and Network Operating Systems. Along with some additional studying I was able to pass the Network+ exam.
I would like to eventually get a Cisco or Juniper certification, but my next goal is to pass the Security+ exam and then start working on the Microsoft Certified System Engineer courses.
Web server is up and running!
My web server is now setup. I am running Apache, MySQL, & PHP on Fedora 11, with Postfix, Dovecot, Proftpd, Webalizer, & ISPConfig control panel. I created this WordPress blog to keep track of my technical developments.