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F23 Virtual Systems IN 4023 Day Plans

October 12:
Next week: We will carry on with the Business Simulation
I will give you scripts for the deals you need to put together
**Today**
We will do 3 lab activities to understand some technologies for running and operating Virtual Server Centers:
VMWare and Virtual Machines: The business case to maximum utlity of a limited number of hardware resources.
Today’s Lab Activity: You will set up a Virtual Machine using Oracle Virtual Box on your computer.

Lecture on Virtual Machines and Their Business Case

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Introduction:
Today, we'll be discussing a topic that's fundamental to modern IT infrastructure: Virtual Machines (VMs). We'll dive into how they operate and, importantly, the business case for their adoption. By the end of today's session, you'll have a clear understanding of the benefits VMs bring to businesses and why they're such an integral part of today's technology landscape.
Understanding Virtual Machines:
What is a Virtual Machine?
At its core, a virtual machine is a software-based emulation of a computer. It runs just like a physical computer, with its own operating system and applications, but it operates on the same physical hardware as the host machine.
How VMs Work:
VMs are made possible by a piece of software called a hypervisor. This software sits between the hardware and the operating system and allocates resources to the various VMs. Think of it as the maestro of a grand technological orchestra.
VMs operate in isolation from one another. What happens in one VM stays in that VM, ensuring that they don't interfere with one another.
The Business Case for Virtual Machines:
Optimized Hardware Utilization:
In traditional setups, hardware often goes underutilized. With VMs, multiple operating environments can run on a single physical machine, maximizing resource usage.
Cost Savings:
Virtualization can significantly reduce capital and operational costs. Fewer physical servers mean less to buy, power, cool, and maintain.
Quick Deployment:
Deploying a physical server can take hours to days. A virtual machine? Just minutes. This agility allows businesses to quickly adapt to changing needs.
Enhanced Disaster Recovery:
VMs can be easily backed up and restored. In the event of hardware failures, VMs can be quickly moved to another machine, ensuring minimal downtime.
Flexibility and Testing Environments:
VMs provide a sandboxed environment. Want to test a new application or OS update? Do it in a VM first. If something goes wrong, your primary system remains unaffected.
Energy Efficiency:
By consolidating servers through virtualization, businesses reduce their carbon footprint. Fewer running machines mean less power consumption.
Today's Lab Activity: Setting up a VM with Oracle VirtualBox
In today's hands-on activity, we'll be using Oracle VirtualBox, a free, open-source virtualization product. It's user-friendly and perfect for those new to the world of virtual machines.
Installation: We'll begin by installing VirtualBox on our computers.
VM Creation: Next, we'll walk through the steps of creating your very own VM, allocating resources, and installing an operating system.
Operations: Once our VMs are up and running, we'll explore some basic operations: saving states, taking snapshots, and testing out software in isolation.
Conclusion:
Virtual machines represent a blend of cost-saving, efficiency, and flexibility. They're not just an IT fad; they're a strategic tool that businesses around the world are leveraging for competitive advantage. As future IT professionals, understanding the ins and outs of VMs is crucial. And with today's activity, you're taking your first step into this exciting world.
Do a PowerShell lab to learn remote system administration: PowerShell is an operating System Automation Scripting language
learning outcomes: The details of how Operating Systems Work The details of TCP IP Networking using Wireshark.
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Installing PowerShell
coda.io
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Lecture on PowerShell and Remote System Administration

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Introduction:
Good afternoon, class! Today, we're diving deep into the heart of Windows automation and scripting: PowerShell.
Not only will you understand its pivotal role in automating a vast array of system admin tasks, but we'll also delve into its capabilities in remote virtual server administration.
By the end of our session, the magic and might of PowerShell will be crystal clear, and you'll be eager to harness its power!
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https://coda.io/@peter-sigurdson/here-are-the-detailed-steps-to-install-and-use-powershell-on-mac
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PowerShell: More than just a Shell
What is PowerShell?
PowerShell is Microsoft's task automation and configuration management framework, consisting of a command-line shell and scripting language.
Unlike other shells which accept and return text, PowerShell is an Object-Oriented Language that provides a library of .NET objects.
Features and Advantages:
Object-Oriented: PowerShell isn't just about typing commands. It processes objects, which makes it incredibly powerful.
Extensible: With modules and snap-ins, you can add cmdlets and providers to extend the functionality.
Rich Scripting Capabilities: PowerShell isn't limited to one-liners. You can write scripts, create functions, and even develop full-blown applications.
Remote System Administration with PowerShell:
The Need for Remote Administration:
In today's distributed work environment, IT professionals can't always be on-site. Whether servers are in another building, city, or even country, there's a need to manage them effectively and securely.
Enter PowerShell Remoting:
With PowerShell remoting, you can run commands on one, tens, or even hundreds of machines at the same time, all from a single console.
It leverages the WS-Management protocol and allows for secure, encrypted communications.
Benefits:
Efficiency: Manage multiple systems simultaneously.
Consistency: Ensure that commands and scripts run the same way, every time, everywhere.
Security: All communications are encrypted, and you can set up secure channels.
Today's Lab Activity: Diving into PowerShell Remoting
In today's hands-on activity, we'll be exploring the power of PowerShell remoting.
Setting Up: We'll start by ensuring our systems are configured for remoting.
Basic Commands: We'll practice running commands on remote systems, fetching data, and even restarting systems.
Scripting: We'll then move onto scripting, where you'll learn to automate a series of tasks across multiple systems.
Troubleshooting: No IT activity is complete without some troubleshooting! We'll cover common issues and how to resolve them.
Conclusion:
PowerShell is not just another tool in the IT arsenal; it's a game-changer. The ability to automate tasks and manage systems remotely saves time, reduces errors, and elevates the role of IT from a support function to a strategic one. As you advance in your IT careers, you'll find PowerShell to be an invaluable ally, helping you manage complexity with ease.
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This lecture gives students a comprehensive understanding of PowerShell and its capabilities in remote system administration. It combines foundational knowledge with practical insights, setting the stage for hands-on exploration in the lab.
Remote Access Terminal lab VNC Virtual network server.

Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is a graphical desktop sharing system that allows remote control of a computer or virtual machine over a network connection. It enables users to view and interact with the desktop environment of another computer or virtual machine from their own device.

VNC works by transmitting the graphical desktop display from the remote computer to the local device and sending user input (such as mouse clicks and keyboard input) back to the remote computer. This allows users to remotely access and control the desktop environment as if they were physically sitting in front of the remote computer.
To use VNC, you typically need to have a VNC server installed and running on the remote computer or virtual machine. The VNC server listens for incoming connections and shares the desktop display with connected clients.
On the client side, you need a VNC viewer application to connect to the remote computer or virtual machine. The viewer application receives the desktop display from the server and allows you to interact with it.
VNC is commonly used for remote administration, technical support, collaboration, and accessing desktop environments on headless servers or virtual machines. It provides a convenient way to control remote systems without the need to physically be in the same location.
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https://www.realvnc.com/en/
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4. Doing some network configuration and problem determination skills using Wireshark.
5. Using PYTHON as a system administration tool.

October 5:

Step 1 of the Simulation:
Each Team: Set up your Virtual Operations office: Google Drive

Handin work I would like to see by the end of the Oct 5 class is:

You setup your Google Drive. The Team Documentarian provided EDIT access to all team members PLUS
peter@petersigurdson.net
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Make an Edit LINK: Post your Team’s Google Drive’s Edit Share URL into your Trello Board.
Make your Business Plan Document in your Google Drive by copies from the M.P. all those elements relavant to your Team.
You will do this as follows:
One team member take the role of the Team Documentation Specialist: With your Gmail Account:
Setup a Folder in your Google Drive.
Provide a Editable Share LINK to all team members, and to
peter@petersigurdson.net
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Next: you will read over / familiarize your selves with the Simulation Master plan AND copy over from The Master Plan Document to a Business Plan which you are making for your Team in your own Google Drive Office => the details from the Master Plan which are relevant to your team.

LINK to The Simulation Master Plan Document :
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wlyEp1Xj4Hk-9IctYUf4f-rnJPARIMVd/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107190339368426335418&rtpof=true&sd=true
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Previous classes:
Concept of this Course
Talked about what a Virtual Data Center is
Reasons:
Leverage more complete use of our hardware resources:
Virtual Machines: Oracle Virtual Box, create ISO images
Leverage more complete use of our Human Resources:
Host our computers in places where land is cheap
Team members from all over the world can link in via TELNET and other virtualization technologies

Future work activities:
Setup the technology of Virtual Data Centers / Google and Amazon Web Services
For the Project: Each team will setup an IT service. Each team will be responsible for delivering certain results. You will need to purchase services from other teams to make that work.
Grade on the Project will be based on : Scorecard and Budget. How many of your score card items did you deliver and how successfully? In terms of Budget, how much profit did you generate.
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