ITF (FC0-U61) Skills Lab: Running Linux from a Live CD

Exercise 1: Create and Configure a Linux Virtual Machine

Objective: This exercise focuses on creating and configuring a virtual machine to run Kali Linux, emphasizing network setup and basic system configuration.

Task 1: Preparing to Create a Kali Linux Virtual Machine

1. Connect to Windows Server 2019 VM

   • Begin by connecting to the Windows Server 2019 virtual machine.

2. Launch PowerShell (Admin)

   • Open Windows PowerShell with administrative privileges to prepare the necessary configurations for creating a new virtual machine with Kali Linux.

Reflection:

• Note the importance of administrative privileges when setting up virtual machines and document any initial errors encountered.

Task 2: Creating a New Virtual Machine Using PowerShell

1. Enter PowerShell Command

   • In the PowerShell (Admin) window, type the following command:
     New-VM -Name "PLABLX01" -MemoryStartupBytes 2GB -NewVHDPath "E:\VM\PLABLX01\Virtual Hard Disks\PLABLX01.vhdx" -NewVHDSizeBytes 20GB -Version 5.0

2. Explanation of the Command

   • This command creates a new virtual machine with the following specifications:
     • Name: PLABLX01
     • Memory: 2GB
     • Virtual Hard Disk Location: E:\VM\PLABLX01\Virtual Hard Disks\PLABLX01.vhdx
     • Virtual Hard Disk Size: 20GB
     • VM Version: 5.0

Reflection:

• Document the PowerShell command and verify the VM's creation in Hyper-V Manager.

Task 3: Accessing and Configuring the New Virtual Machine in Hyper-V

1. Open Server Manager

   • Launch Server Manager and navigate to the Hyper-V Manager under services.

2. Locate the Virtual Machine

   • In Hyper-V Manager, find the newly created virtual machine named PLABLX01.

3. Access Settings

   • Right-click on PLABLX01 and select Settings to begin configuring the virtual machine.

Reflection:

• Record any changes made to the default settings.

Task 4: Configuring the Virtual Machine to Use the Kali Linux Image

1. Access IDE Controller Settings

   • In the virtual machine settings, navigate to the Hardware section and locate the IDE Controller.

2. Select DVD Drive Option

   • Under the IDE Controller, choose the DVD Drive option.

3. Specify Media

   • In the DVD Drive dialog box, select the Image File option and browse for the Kali Linux image file.

4. Set the Kali Image

   • Once the image file is selected, set it as the virtual machine's DVD drive.

Reflection:

• Ensure the correct image file is used and note its version.

Task 5: Configuring the Network Adapter for the Virtual Machine

1. Access Network Adapter Settings

   • In the virtual machine settings, select the Network Adapter option.

2. Select Virtual Switch

   • Open the Virtual Switch dropdown menu and choose the New Virtual Switch.

3. Finalize Configuration

   • Save the changes by clicking OK.

Reflection:

• Test the network connection post-configuration and document any issues.

Task 6: Booting and Initializing Kali Linux on the Virtual Machine

1. Connect to PLABLX01 Virtual Machine

   • Connect to the PLABLX01 virtual machine. Upon launch, you will see the Kali Linux boot menu.

2. Select Boot Option

   • From the boot menu, select the Live (amd64) option and press Enter.

3. Disconnect from Network

   • Once Kali Linux initializes, locate the network loading symbol and disconnect from the network.

Reflection:

• Note the boot process and any errors encountered during initialization.

Task 7: Configuring the Ethernet Interface in Kali Linux

1. Open Root Terminal Emulator

   • After disconnecting from the network, open the Root Terminal Emulator.

2. Configure Ethernet Interface (eth0)

   • Configure the eth0 interface to use a static IP address.

3. Set IP Address, Gateway, and DNS

   • Set the static IP address for eth0, configure the default gateway, and set the DNS server.

Reflection:

• Document the network settings and verify connectivity.

Task 8: Verifying Network Configuration and Testing Connectivity

1. Verify IP Address, Netmask, and Gateway

   • Use the following command to check your network settings:
     ifconfig -a

2. Test Connectivity to Default Gateway

   • Run a ping command to test the default gateway:
     ping <default_gateway_IP>
   • Stop the ping command using Ctrl + C.

Reflection:

• Record the results of the connectivity test.

Task 9: Verifying Internet Connectivity

1. Open Firefox ESR Browser

   • Locate the Kali button, navigate to Usual Applications > Internet, and open Firefox ESR.

2. Confirm Internet Connection

   • Navigate to any web page to verify the connection.

3. Shut Down Virtual Machines

   • After confirming the connection, shut down the Kali Linux virtual machine and close any active virtual machines.

Reflection:

• Reflect on the entire process and document lessons learned.