> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://h2020-westlife-eu.gitbook.io/virtual-folder-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://h2020-westlife-eu.gitbook.io/virtual-folder-docs/virtual-machines/preparing-vagrant-vm-template.md).

# Preparing vagrant VM template

The following section describes how to prepare VM template from scratch, e.g. to be used as base vagrant box or as a base VM template. It's not needed to perform these steps when installing any products, however, might be usefull to maintain version of base OS.

## Scientific Linux 7

### Download ISO

As a base for most VM templates, Scientific Linux is used. Download the latest version from <http://ftp1.scientificlinux.org/linux/scientific/7x/x86_64/iso/>

recommended is Network installation ISO - SL-\*-netinst.iso

### Install minimal system

In installation packages - select Minimal system.

### Define root and vagrant user

Set root password (vagrant) and create new user (vagrant:vagrant)

### Post-installation script

In Virtualbox - Insert VBoxGuest Additions `Devices -> Insert Guest Additions CD image ...`.

Log-in as root, and execute one of the following script:

1. for non-GUI environment: `bash <(curl -L https://bit.ly/2xDpLwR)`
2. for GUI environment: `bash <(curl -L http://bit.ly/2GfrE7z)`

Reset, check if everything works, if new kernel was installed - then manually uninstall old kernel

```
uname -a
# outputs which kernel is loaded
rpm -q kernel
# outputs which kernel is installed
yum remove kernel-...
# uninstalls unused kernel
bash <(curl -L ....)
#repeat post-install script 1. for non-GUI or 2. GUI
```

### Create box

Stop virtualbox, remove unused IDE, sound card, change video memory etc.

Launch vagrant script to package box. Expecting the virtual machine name is `my-sl7-virtualmachine`

```
vagrant package --output sl7mini.box --base my-sl7-virtualmachine
```

Explanation:

* `package` instruct vagrant to get virtual machine from virtual box and package it into separate file
* `--output sl7mini.box` writes the result to file named as sl7mini.box
* `--base my-sl7-install` takes VirtualBox virtual machine named my-sl7-virtualmachine

## CernVM 4

Download CernVM4 image <https://cernvm.cern.ch/portal/downloads> for vagrant.