Linux virtual machine host featuring a graphical interface
Linux virtual machine host featuring a graphical interface
I explore Linux occasionally and often feel lost about VM hosts. Searching online only adds confusion—it looks like KVM, QEMU need extra tools like GUI software (Virt Manager). I also noticed Gnome Boxes as a single solution and UCS or Mist.io offering many choices. My needs are clear:
- Interact with VMs as if on the host (similar to HyperV)
- Automated backups
- Preferred all in one package, not multiple programs
Running this on an Intel NUC with Freepbx, Nextcloud and Unifi Controller
VirtualBox is a popular choice. Works on Windows, Linux, and Mac. Backup options are decent, though automated backups aren't the best. It supports snapshots and lets you export machines for transfer. Many prefer it over KVM/Qemu because it feels smoother and more intuitive.
UCS isn't designed for general use. It's mainly a tailored Linux setup with a web front end. You can activate different services via the web interface, which then launch Docker containers on the device. Think of it as a Linux server featuring an attractive interface aimed at small to medium businesses needing specific services. It's not meant for running full Linux virtual machines with a graphical interface that you connect to directly. I haven't encountered mist.io before, but it seems to be a web-based management tool built on top of existing cloud-based VMs or containers. Essentially, it offers a single point of control for managing all your virtual machines distributed across various locations.
You have the option to run virtual machines using KVM, QEMU, libvirt, or VirtualBox. These tools can be paired with GUI applications like Virt Manager, Gnome Boxes, or even built-in solutions such as VirtualBox itself, which includes a built-in interface.
Do you have a mouse, keyboard, or display connected to the NUC, or are you planning to treat it more like a server that hosts VMs and accesses them remotely?
I prefer not to execute those three tasks on Windows using Hyperv or VirtualBox as it might lead to problems during updates for Freepbx and Nextcloud. It also felt better to set up three Linux environments on a server. The NUC will be located in the server room, and I’ll access it via local network, likely using VNC.
In my scenario, I'd set up Debian or CentOS without a graphical interface, control it via SSH, and execute services either directly or using Docker.
QEMU operates without a graphical interface. I've frequently run QEMU without ever needing Virt Manager. Simply input a command and the VM window appears. For example: ./qemu-system-x86_64 -cdrom install-x86.iso -smp 8 -m 2G This launches a 64-bit x86 emulator using that ISO as the boot source, with 8 CPUs and 2GB RAM. To switch to KVM within QEMU (transition from emulator to VM), add "-enable-kvm".
They work fine without the GUI. The issue lies with the person operating the monitor. I plan to configure it once and just need to interact with it monthly. I don’t want to remember the console commands.
They included my notes in a text file with an explanation of their purpose. I question if Virt Manager requires significant setup. It might be easier to install it directly from the software center.
In the final stage I successfully installed VMWARE Esxi and it functioned well with a user-friendly interface for adding and managing virtual machines. I also used VEAAM, which was already active on the Hyper-V server for this purpose. Thanks for your help!