# Proxmox Initial Setup and Configuration

As a tech enthusiast and content creator with a passion for Linux, Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) has been a game-changer in my home lab. It's a robust, open-source platform that has allowed me to optimize my homelab and manage multiple virtual machines (VMs) and containers seamlessly. Whether you're building a small lab or running a production environment, Proxmox VE offers a powerful suite of tools to get the job done.

---

## **1. Installation of Proxmox VE**

When I first started using Proxmox VE, I was impressed by how straightforward the installation process was. Here's a breakdown:

### **Options for Installation**

- **Bare-Metal Hardware**: I recommend installing Proxmox VE directly on physical hardware for the best performance. In my lab, I use a Dell PowerEdge T140 and Protectli Vault to get the most out of my hardware resources.
- **Virtualized Environment**: Proxmox can also run on another hypervisor, like VMware or VirtualBox, if you just want to test the waters. However, this isn’t ideal for production since it introduces unnecessary overhead.

### **Steps**

1. **Download the ISO**: Head to the [official Proxmox VE download page](https://www.proxmox.com/) and grab the latest ISO file.
2. **Create Bootable Media**: Use a tool like Rufus or Balena Etcher to write the ISO to a USB drive. I've found this to be the quickest way to create bootable media.
3. **Boot and Install**: Boot your server from the USB drive, and the Proxmox installer will walk you through the process. Don’t forget to configure the storage settings based on your setup. I prefer using ZFS for its built-in redundancy and snapshot features.

---

## **2. Initial Configuration**

Proxmox VE’s web interface makes the initial setup intuitive. However, there are some key areas to focus on:

### **Network Setup**

During installation, configure:

- **Static IP Address**: This ensures that the Proxmox host is always reachable on the same IP.
- **Hostname**: I like to use FQDNs like `proxmox.home.lab` for clarity in my network.
- **Gateway and DNS**: Double-check these settings for seamless connectivity. I rely on my Pi-hole instance for DNS.

### **Storage Configuration**

- **LVM**: Proxmox sets up Logical Volume Manager (LVM) by default, which is fine for most use cases.
- **ZFS**: If you’re looking for advanced features like compression and snapshots, ZFS is the way to go. In my setup, ZFS handles my VM and container storage, ensuring data integrity.

---

## **3. Post-Installation Steps**

### **Accessing the Web Interface**

Once the Proxmox installation is complete:

1. Open your browser and navigate to `https://<Proxmox_IP>:8006`.
2. Log in using the root account and the password you set during installation.

I recommend bookmarking the web interface URL. It becomes your central hub for managing everything.

### **Repositories and Updates**

Proxmox provides several repositories:

- **Enterprise Repository**: Great for stable updates, but it requires a subscription.
- **No-Subscription Repository**: Ideal for homelabbers like me who are using Proxmox without a paid plan. Add it with:
    
    ```bash
    echo "deb http://download.proxmox.com/debian/pve bookworm pve-no-subscription" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/pve-no-subscription.list
    apt update && apt dist-upgrade -y
    ```
    

### **Subscription Notice**

One of the first things I do is disable the subscription nag popup, which appears if you’re using the no-subscription repository. The [Proxmox Helper Script](https://tteck.github.io/Proxmox/) makes this a breeze—more on that below.

---

## **4. Proxmox Helper Script: A Must-Have Tool**

One of the best discoveries I made after starting with Proxmox was the **Proxmox Helper Script** by TTeck. It simplifies so many tasks that used to take up my time.

### **Features of the Proxmox Helper Script**

- **LXC Container Automation**: Quickly set up containers for popular applications like Home Assistant, Pi-hole, and Jellyfin. I used it to deploy my Home Assistant instance, and it saved me hours.
- **System Tweaks**: Disable the subscription nag, optimize the Proxmox host, and even configure backups effortlessly.
- **Backup Management**: Schedule and manage VM/container backups with minimal effort.

### **Installing the Helper Script**

Run the following command in your Proxmox shell:

```bash
bash <(curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tteck/Proxmox/main/misc/pvehelperscript.sh)
```

### **What I Use It For**

- **Creating Containers**: Need a Pi-hole or Nextcloud container? This script makes it as simple as answering a few prompts.
- **System Optimization**: Tweaks like enabling advanced performance settings or customizing storage configurations are quick and easy.

### **Why It’s Essential**

For anyone serious about Proxmox, this script is a no-brainer. It automates many repetitive tasks and ensures your system is configured optimally.

---

## **5. Pro Tips and Considerations**

- **Backups**: Always set up regular backups. Proxmox’s built-in backup system is robust and integrates seamlessly with external storage. I back up my VMs to a dedicated NAS.
- **Snapshots**: Snapshots are lifesavers during updates or major changes. I never update my Home Assistant instance without creating a snapshot first.
- **Firewall Rules**: Use Proxmox’s firewall to segment and secure your network. I’ve configured mine to ensure only necessary traffic reaches my VMs and containers.

---

## **Why Proxmox?**

For me, Proxmox VE has been the backbone of my home lab. Whether it's hosting Plex for streaming, running a Minecraft server for my family, or testing new tools, Proxmox makes it all possible. The open-source nature of the platform aligns perfectly with my philosophy of empowering others to learn and build without breaking the bank.

---

With Proxmox VE and the Proxmox Helper Script, you’re not just setting up a virtualization platform—you’re building a system that grows with you. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn and improve. If you're curious about my setup or have any questions, feel free to check out my [YouTube channel, KeepItTechie](https://www.youtube.com/KeepItTechie), where I share tips, tricks, and tutorials on everything Linux and beyond.