Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Debian on VMware Workstation

Running the Debian Operating System within a virtual setting via VMware Workstation offers users a flexible approach to utilize this OS. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed, step-by-step framework for successfully installing Debian on VMware Workstation, catering to both newcomers to virtualization and those seeking a refresher. So, if you are eager to install Debian on VMware Workstation, you’ve come to the right place!

Steps to Install Debian on VMware Workstation

If you’re ready to install Debian on VMware Workstation, follow these straightforward steps.

1. Verify that your system meets the necessary prerequisites.
2. Set up a new Virtual Machine.
3. Initiate the DB12 installation.
4. Finish the installation process.

Let’s delve deeper into each of these steps for clarity.

1] Verify Prerequisites

Initially, ensure that VMware Workstation is installed along with the Debian ISO file. If you haven’t yet obtained the Debian ISO, visit Debian.org. Locate and click on the debian-12.7.0-amd64-netinst.iso link to download the latest Debian ISO. Additionally, VMware Workstation can be downloaded from vmware.com.

2] Set Up a New Virtual Machine

The next phase involves creating a Virtual Machine within VMware. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Once VMware Workstation is installed, launch the application and select the option to Create a New Virtual Machine.
2. Opt for the Typical configuration and click Next.
3. Choose the Installer disc image file (iso) option.
4. Click Browse, locate your downloaded ISO file, and proceed by clicking OK followed by Next.
5. If you encounter a prompt stating, ‘Could not detect which operating system is in this disc image,’ simply click Next, select Guest Operating System-Linux, then choose Debian 11.x 64-bit, and click Next.
6. Name your virtual machine and hit Next.
7. Define the maximum disk size and retain the default settings, which typically is the Split Virtual disk into multiple files option, then click Next.
8. You’ll see additional settings for your VM; if adjustments are needed, select Customize Hardware to modify; otherwise, click Finish.

Now that the new Virtual Machine is created, let’s proceed to install DB12.

3] Initiate the DB12 Installation

It’s now time to start the installation of DB12.

• Launch VMware, select the newly created Virtual Machine, and then choose the Play Virtual Machine option.
• After it boots from the virtual DVD, a menu with multiple installation choices will appear. Select Graphical Install and press Enter.
• Set your preferred configurations such as language, location, and keyboard layout, clicking continue after each selection.
• Upon completion, provide a hostname and domain name in the Network configuration window, then enter a username and password. Configure your time zone and click Continue.
• In the disk partitioning screen, choose Guided – use entire disk, select the disk, proceed, highlight All files in one partition, and finalize the partitioning by writing the changes to the disk by clicking Continue.
• Confirm the changes by selecting Yes, then designate /dev/sda for GRUB installation.
• When prompted, choose to configure the package manager and tick the boxes for the Debian Desktop environment, GNOME, Standard system Utilities, Web server, and SSH server before clicking Continue.
• Complete the process by installing the GRUB bootloader to the hard drive.

This is how you can successfully install Debian on your system.

4] Finalize the Installation

Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart the virtual machine. Upon rebooting, the GRUB bootloader Menu will appear. Select the Debian GNY/Linux option, log in with your chosen username and password, and you will arrive at the Debian Linux desktop environment. You will receive a prompt regarding VMware tools installation for Linux, which you can either agree to install or choose to remind me later. That’s the complete process for installing and configuring Debian Linux on VMware.

And that’s it!

Steps To Install Linux on VMware

To set up Kali Linux on VMware, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Download the Kali Linux ISO file.
2. Create a new Virtual Machine.
3. Install Kali Linux.
4. Finish the installation steps.
5. Install VMware tools on the Kali Linux VM.

How Can I Launch the Debian Installer?

The initial step to launch the Debian Installer involves downloading the Debian ISO file, followed by launching VMware Workstation and establishing a new Virtual Machine. For a detailed guide, refer to the preceding sections.

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