How to Install KVM Virtualization on AlmaLinux 8: A Step-by-Step Guide

KVM, or Kernel-based Virtual Machine, is a popular virtualization technology that enables running multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. AlmaLinux 8, a free and open-source operating system, includes KVM in its default repositories, making it easy to install and use. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to install KVM virtualization on AlmaLinux 8.

Prerequisites

Before installing KVM, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

• A 64-bit processor that supports virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)
• At least 2GB of RAM
• At least 8GB of disk space

Installing KVM

Follow the steps below to install KVM on your AlmaLinux 8 system:

1. Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
2. Type the following command and press Enter to update the package list:
   
   sudo dnf update
   
3. Type the following command and press Enter to install KVM, including the hypervisor, virtualization management system, and client tools:
   
   sudo dnf install qemu-kvm libvirt libvirt-daemon-system libvirt-clients
   
4. Once the installation is complete, enable and start the libvirtd service using the following commands:
   
   sudo systemctl enable libvirtd
   
   sudo systemctl start libvirtd

Creating a Virtual Machine

Once KVM is installed, you can create a virtual machine by following these steps:

1. Open the Virt-Manager graphical tool, which can be found in the AlmaLinux Software Center.
2. In the Virt-Manager window, click on the “File” menu and select “New”. This will open the “Create a New Virtual Machine” wizard.
3. In the “Name” field, enter a name for your virtual machine.
4. In the “Operating System” drop-down menu, select the operating system you want to install on your virtual machine. You can choose from various options, including AlmaLinux, CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu, and Windows.
5. In the “Memory” field, enter the amount of memory you want to allocate to your virtual machine. Make sure not to allocate all the available memory to the virtual machine, leaving some for the host system.
6. In the “Disk” field, click the “Add” button and select a storage location for your virtual machine’s disk image. You can choose from various options, including a local or remote file system, network file system, or storage pool.
7. Once you have configured your virtual machine, click the “Finish” button to create it.

Starting a Virtual Machine

Once your virtual machine is created, you can start it by following these steps:

1. In the Virt-Manager window, click on the name of the virtual machine you want to start.
2. Click on the “Start” button to initiate the boot process.
3. When you start your virtual machine for the first time, you will be prompted to install an operating system. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system of your choice.

Conclusion

KVM is a powerful virtualization technology that enables running multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, saving money on hardware and energy costs. AlmaLinux 8 includes KVM in its default repositories, making it easy to install and use. Following the above steps, you can quickly install KVM on your AlmaLinux 8 system and create and run virtual machines using the Virt-Manager graphical tool.