Hi, I have a home server (basically a NAS) currently running Debian. Basically it’s configuration is as follows

  • debian host running 3 VMs

  • debian running inside each VM as docker host

I just manually install KVM on the host then docker on each VM after creating each of them. I documented the process so I know how to replicate it in case I need to rebuild.

I now dream of being able to automate the rebuild process using config files. I know this is done using Ansible.

But I’ve now heard of Talos… (A thin layer for kubernetes) and intrigued. But I suppose I need a setup for the VM host to achieve automation through config files…

What setup are you guys using?

Thank you.

Thanks for all your suggestions! I’ve chosen to go with just bash scripting (given my simple setup) and keep the setup as it is… Just gotta learn bash and virsh :)

  • Possibly linux@lemmy.zipEnglish
    3·
    2 months ago

    ~~Stop. Docker is not a hypervisor and shouldn’t be used as one.

    Either use a docker compose file to do automated deployments or move to Proxmox and use host templates to deploy VMs which then can host docker.

    There is zero reason to run KVM in docker.~~

    Never mind, I misread. What you are looking for is Ansible. You can create a VM template that has your SSH keys configured and then you use Ansible to spin up a VM and do stuff instead the VM. I know how to do this under Proxmox but I have no idea how to do it under pure Debian. A lot of it is probably the same.

  • Scrubbles@poptalk.scrubbles.techEnglish
    3·
    2 months ago

    Personally, if you’re considering it already, kubernetes might be something to look into. It’s a lot. Like a lot to learn. But I can honestly say I could do it for a job now with how much I’ve learned. Then it’s less about how to set up machines and more about just reapplying your infrastructure.

  • CaptSpify@lemmy.todayEnglish
    3·
    2 months ago

    I just use a few shell scripts. Basically some simple bash scripts that do all the work after a fresh install.

    Kubernetes/Ansible are great to learn, but are also more complicated for simple setups.

    • ntn888@lemmy.mlOPEnglish
      2·
      2 months ago

      haven’t thought about it. I guess I’ll learn some bash :)

      BTW what is a good OS for the VM host? many here are running proxmox… would you recommend it for this purpose of bash automation to bring up VMs?

      • CaptSpify@lemmy.todayEnglish
        2·
        2 months ago

        I use Debian and Ganeti. I’ve not toyed with much else, so I dont know how they compare.

        • ntn888@lemmy.mlOPEnglish
          2·
          2 months ago

          thanks for the info… I’m thinking of sticking with just Debian (as my simple usecase) and use virsh commands…