How to Install ClearOS Community 7.1 on Virtual Machine

In today’s linux tutorial we will follow with the help of snapshots to install, setup and configure ClearOS 7.1 the latest beta verion on VMware 64 bit. ClearOS is a next generation Network, Cloud and Systems management Operating System that can act as a firewall or as proxy server. We can use it for contents filtering, users and groups management with its web based administration. It also provides the functionality to monitor bandwidth and network traffic with many other features. So, after this tutorial you will be able to install and easily configure your ClearOS 7.1 or any previous version on VMware and get advantage of its cool features using its community addition for your home or official use.

Base System

The minimal base requirements to setup and run ClearOS 7.1 are as follows but it mainly depends upon the infrastructure and requirements to increase the specifications accordingly.

Boot from Virtual Machine

Using the virtual machine environment we can directly boot from the iso image. Our first step would be to download the iso image from the ClearOS Official Download Link and place it in your local drive.

ClearOS Installation Wizard

After boot from iso image we will go through the following steps with the installations wizard of ClearOS Installation.

1) Starting Installation

Press Enter to Preceed with Installation of ClearOS

2) Pre-Installation Setup

We are required to configure basic software, system and network settings before begin installation. So, first choose the keyboard and system date settings. Then under the software selection we will the choose the minimal installation package and installation source.

3) Installation Summary

Now we click to begin the installation after choosing the installation destination and networking setup.

4) User Settings

During the installation process we have to set the root password required for the administration of the system and will have to create a new user with general or administrator level privileges.

Using ClearOS Text Console

ClearOS provides us with two consoles one is Text based command line and second is Network based console. Once the installation process completes we have to give it a reboot and click on Exit to Text console as shown.

User Login

Here we have to login with the credentials of user that we had created during the installation process.

Working with Text Console

From the text console we will be able to analyze network traffic using IPtraf commands and we can also perform system reboot or shutdown options from the text console. And to switch from text console to graphics mode console press "F2" as shown.

Using ClearOS Web Configurations Wizard

Let's open the default web browser using your login credentials and follow with web installation wizard to get your clearOS up and running.

Web Login

https://localhost:81
https://172.25.10.178:81

Web Installation Wizard

During the web installation wizard we will go through the steps to configure the Network configurations, User registrations and with the installation of Marketplace applications.

Network Settings

In the network settings, it should be configured according to the requirements as it provides us with different network mode options. After choosing the desired network mode click to "NEXT" option and choose the network interface and DNS configurations.

Choosing Edition

Now we have to select the edition that we want to install and click to "Next".

System Updates

ClearOS provides with its latest updates that we can install from its web interface to simply click on the Update option.

System Registration

System registration is a mandatory step in order to get advantages from the clearos community. After we registered our account with clearOS community by providing username and email address to download and install different applications from the marketplace and also able to receive latest announcements from the clearOS.

Host configurations

In this section it needs to be defined with two system host names one for its internal networks and the second one is to configure it for public access.

ClearOS Marketplace Apps

We had done with all basic to advance setup and now ready to install apps from clearOS marketplace. There are different categories to proceed with the marketplace apps settings so we will choose with its basic setup functionality.

ClearOS Administration Dashboard

ClearOS Dashboard provides us with high level of systems overview, it can be customized by adding widgets and configured with custom themes and settings.

Conclusion

At the conclusion of this detailed article on the setup and configurations of clearOS I would recommend to use ClearOS if you are running with your small business or want to use it for personal home setup. ClearOS is being used as an enterprise level to personal home based usage because of its enhanced features and vast community support.

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