EP3: How to Install RHEL / Rocky Linux in VMware Workstation

(RHCSA: Install & Setup)

🎯 In this episode, we will install RHEL or Rocky Linux in VMware Workstation, step-by-step — as part of our RHCSA lab setup.

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✅ Requirements

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🔻 Step 1: Download the ISO File

• RHEL: https://access.redhat.com/downloads (You need to create a Red Hat account)

• Rocky Linux: https://rockylinux.org/download

✅ Tip: If you’re only learning for RHCSA, Rocky Linux 9 is free and 100% compatible with RHEL.

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🖥️ Step 2: Create a New VM in VMware Workstation

1. Open VMware Workstation

2. Click Create a New Virtual Machine

3. Select Typical (recommended)

4. Choose: Installer disc image file (ISO) → browse your downloaded ISO

5. OS type: Linux

   • Version: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 (works for Rocky too)

6. Name your VM: RHCSA-Lab01

7. Disk size: 20 GB or more

   • Choose: "Store virtual disk as a single file"

8. Click Finish

🔧 Then click Edit virtual machine settings:

• RAM: 4 GB (4096 MB)

• Processor: 2 cores

• Network Adapter: Bridged (acts like a real server on your network)

Why Bridged?

Actual / Physical

What Router/Modem ISP and other devices will see the topology like this:

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🚀 Step 3: Start the VM & Begin Installation

1. Power on the VM

2. Select: Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 or Install Rocky Linux 9

3. Wait until the installer loads

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⚙️ Step 4: OS Installation Process

• Language: Choose English (US) or your preference

• Installation Destination:

  • Select disk → leave as Automatic partitioning

• Root Password: Set (e.g., Redhat123)

• User Creation (optional): Add a non-root user

• Software Selection:

  • For RHCSA labs, select: Server with GUI or Minimal Install

• Networking:

  • Enable the Ethernet adapter (check “Connect automatically”)

✅ Click Begin Installation and wait for it to complete.

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✅ Step 5: First Boot Setup

After reboot:

• Log in as root

• Open Terminal

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🧪 Post-Install Verification Commands

Copy# Check hostname
hostnamectl

# Check OS info
cat /etc/os-release

# Check IP address
ip a

# Check Internet connectivity
ping -c 3 google.com

🎯💡 Best Practices

• Use Rocky Linux 9 if you don’t have a Red Hat subscription

• Always take VM snapshots before testing new features

• Use Bridged networking for real IP (great for SSH/remote lab)