AusCAT VM Setup on Windows Server#

This guide provides a step-by-step process to configure and install Virtual Machines (VMs) on a Windows Server using Hyper-V. These VMs are essential for hosting the AusCAT software stack, including the KeyDB and CatDB components.

Installing Hyper-V (if not already enabled)#

If Hyper-V is not yet enabled on the Windows Server, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Apps and Features.

  2. Select Programs and Features under Related Settings.

  3. Select Turn Windows Features on or off.

  4. Check the Hyper-V option (including Hyper-V Management Tools and Hyper-V Platform).

  5. Click OK and restart the server when prompted.

1. Creating a New Virtual Machine#

Step 1: Open Hyper-V Manager#

  • Press Win + R, type virtmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.

  • Alternatively, search for Hyper-V Manager in the Start Menu.

Step 2: Create a New VM#

  1. In the left pane, right-click on your server name and select New > Virtual Machine.

  2. Click Next in the wizard to proceed.

Step 3: Specify VM Name and Location#

  • Enter a Name (e.g., KeyDB-VM or CatDB-VM).

  • Specify the location for VM files or keep the default.

  • Click Next.

Step 4: Specify Generation#

  • Select Generation 2 for modern features (recommended for Windows Server 2016/2019/2022).

  • Click Next.

Step 5: Assign Memory#

  • Allocate RAM according to the specifications:

    • KeyDB VM: 8 GB

    • CatDB VM: 16 GB

  • Enable Dynamic Memory if necessary.

  • Click Next.

Step 6: Configure Networking (Attach Virtual Switch)#

  • Choose an existing Virtual Switch (e.g., Default Switch).

  • This step simply attaches the VM to a virtual switch but does not finalize the network configuration.

  • Click Next.

Step 7: Attach Boot Media (ISO File)#

  • This step is about connecting the VM to the installation media, not the actual OS installation.

  • Choose Install an operating system from a bootable image file.

  • Browse to your Ubuntu 22.04 ISO.

  • Click Next.

Step 8: Complete the Wizard#

  • Review the settings and click Finish.

2. Configuring VM Settings#

Before configuring the VM settings, please refer to the Infrastructure Requirements page to ensure the VM is configured with consistent settings for vCPUs, RAM, disk size, etc. based on the recommended specifications.

Step 1: Access Settings#

  • Right-click on the created VM and select Settings.

Step 2: Adjust CPU Configuration#

  • Navigate to Processor.

  • Increase the Number of Virtual Processors to 4 for KeyVM and 8 or higher for CatVM.

Step 3: Enable Virtualization Extensions#

  • Go to Processor > Compatibility.

  • Check Migrate to a physical computer with a different processor (if needed).

Step 4: Finalize Network Adapter Configuration (Connect to Virtual Switch)#

  • In the previous VM creation step, you attached the VM to a virtual switch. Here, you can verify and adjust this configuration.

  • Go to Network Adapter.

  • Ensure the correct Virtual Switch is selected (e.g., ExternalSwitch or Default Switch).

Step 5: Finalize Settings#

  • Apply and close the settings window.

3. Power On and Install the Operating System#

This is the step where the actual operating system installation occurs, using the ISO you attached earlier.

Step 1: Start the VM#

  • Right-click the VM and select Connect.

  • Click Start from the Virtual Machine Connection window.

Step 2: Install the OS#

  • Follow the standard installation process for Windows Server or Ubuntu Desktop.

  • Configure basic settings: Language, Region, Keyboard Layout.

  • Set a strong admin password.

Step 3: Network Configuration#

  • Verify that the VM is connected to the internet.