Xen

Installation

Debian Etch installation

Packages install

sudo aptitude install linux-image-2.6-xen-amd64 xen-hypervisor-3.0.3-1-amd64 xen-linux-system-2.6.18-5-xen-amd64 xen-tools

Network config

Before the reboot, a small change in /etc/xen/xend-config.sxp should be done.

Replace

(network-script network-dummy)

with

(network-script 'network-bridge netdev=eth0')

reboot

Tools config

in /etc/xen-tools/xen-tools.conf

lvm = vg0
debootstrap = 1

size   = 10Gb      # Disk image size.
memory = 256Mb    # Memory size
swap   = 256Mb    # Swap size
fs     = ext3     # use the EXT3 filesystem for the disk image.
dist   = etch    # Default distribution to install.
image  = sparse   # Specify sparse vs. full disk images.

dhcp = 1

kernel = /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.18-5-xen-amd64
initrd = /boot/initrd.img-2.6.18-5-xen-amd64

mirror = http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/

Administration

Create image

xen-create-image --hostname vserver1.mydomain

Boot

xm create /etc/xen/vserver1.mydomain.cfg

Console connect

xm console vserver1.mydomain

Other common commands

xm shutdown <name> - Stop a virtual machine.
xm destroy <name> - Stop a virtual machine immediately without shutting it down. It's as if you switch off the power button.
xm list - List all running systems.
xm help - List of all commands.