How to raise a Linux server on VirtualBox with the possibility of subsequent transfer to a physical server?

Question

linux

Hello.
I want to raise a Linux server on VirtualBox, but then transfer it to a physical server.
How to install and configure it all?

Answer 1

A lot of good advice has already been given here, but I would go the simpler way.
When installing on VirtualBox, choose not a disk image in a file, but a physical disk. After installation disconnect the physical disk and move it to your physical server. Everything.

Answer 2

That's right - by describing the state of the server with manifests using an automation tool.
For example, ansible.

Answer 3

It can be done by copying files. Copying files and folders from the root to a pre-partitioned file system, except for the /dev /proc /srv /sys /mnt directories, these folders can simply be created empty. Then install grub2 , specify in the grub configuration from which disk it is loaded, rewrite /etc/fstab. Delete the file /etc/udev/99-network-persistance to bring up network interfaces with the old names . Well, everything in principle.

Answer 4

Judging by the question, the best solution for you would be several installations of the virtual server and then removing it. When you put everything right the first time, you can repeat the same thing on real hardware...

Answer 5

There is no longer a requirement for a virtual server, but for a physical one, in order to transfer you will need access in resque mode.
And put it on the virtual machine as you want, then you will do rsync on the physical server, put the bootloader, rebuild the initramfs and that's it, you did it 100 times

Answer 6

Ansible, Chef, Puppet, etc.

Answer 7

Look towards Clonezilla