This section is intended for system administrators who want to install Oracle VM Server on x86 hardware. For smaller deployments installation from DVD-ROM using the provided ISO is common, while for larger deployments administrators may consider deployment via network installation using PXE boot.

To install Oracle VM Server using the CD-ROM or PXE boot method, you need to visit the Oracle eDelivery/Linux site to select the Oracle VM Server ISO file from the Oracle VM Media Pack. The Oracle VM Server ISO file can be burned as a bootable disk and used to install Oracle VM Server from a DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive.

A PXE boot installation requires several additional steps to configure a DHCP/PXE boot server. Furthermore, if automated installation is required, a Kickstart configuration file must be created to guide the Anaconda installation wizard through each of the installation steps. The DHCP/PXE boot server allows a bare-metal system to automatically receive an IP address via DHCP, load a kernel via TFTP, and then boot without an installed operating system. Once the bare-metal server boots, you can install Oracle VM Server from the installation media or use a Kickstart file to automate the Oracle VM Server installation.

In this section we describe preinstallation tasks and requirements. These apply to all deployments of Oracle VM Server, regardless of your installation strategy. We also provide detailed coverage of a manual attended installation performed from DVD-ROM or CD-ROM. It is recommended that you perform at least one fully attended installation of Oracle VM Server from DVD-ROM or CD-ROM, even if you intend to perform a network-based install using PXE boot. Once you have completed this, refer to Section 4.1, “Installation From PXE Boot” for more information on how to prepare for a network-based installation.