Set up a Server

This page described how to install CentOS and setup/troubleshooting puppet

Installing CentOS 7

Getting a Bootable USB stick

You can borrow it from the Sysadmin or DIY one (4.4GB+ storage) with instruction here

Change Boot Order

1. Insert the USB stick and connect the monitor to the machine

2. Reboot the machine

3. Bring up the BIOS Menu by pressing Del button while the machine is booting

- In Boot, change the boot oder so that the USB get booted first

- Save changes and reboot

Install CentOS 7

Adopted from this guide -> https://phoenixnap.com/kb/how-to-install-centos-7

Select Test this media and install Centos 7

Step 1 : Choose Keyboard and Language

Step 2 : Network Configuration

Select NETWORK & HOSTNAME

1. Switch on the Ethernet

2. Change Host name at the bottom

3. Select Configure

Select IPv4 Settings
DNS Servers:
  [alpha private ip adress]
Search domains:
  cluster.ucsf.bkslab.org, ucsf.bkslab.org, bkslab.org, compbio.ucsf.edu, ucsf.edu
Check "Require IPv4 addressing for this connection to complete".
Save.

Step 3: Set Date and Time

Turn on Network Time and Select the local timezone.

Step 4: Partitioning

Select INSTALLATION DESTINATION.

Option 1: Automatic Partitioning

Under the Other Storage Options heading, select the Automatically configure partitioning checkbox. This ensures the selected destination storage disk will automatically partition with the /(root), /home and swap partitions. It will automatically create an LVM logical volume in the XFS file system.

If you do not have enough free space, you can reclaim disk space and instruct the system to delete files.

When finished, click the Done button.

Option 2: Manual Partitioning

Select the I will configure partitioning checkbox and choose Done.

If you want to use other file systems (such as ext4 and vfat) and a non-LVM partitioning scheme, such as btrfs. This will initiate a configuration pop-up where you can set up your partitioning manually.

Step 5: Software Selection

Select Compute Node on the left menu, then select Add-Ons on the right menu.

Step 6: Enable KDUMP

Double-check if KDUMP is enabled.

Step 7: Start installation Process

Hit Begin Installation

Step 8: Setup Root Password & User

During Installation, will see 2 items on top

Root Password

The usual one

User Creation

Create a local administrator account

User name : survival
Check "Make this user adminstrator"
Check "Require a password for this account"
Password : [Hint it starts with G and has t somewhere in the middle]

'REBOOT when Installation is completed