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Welcome to Hancock’s VMware Half Hour! This is the Full Monty Version, the MEGA Full Movie on configuring and installing VMware vSphere Hypervisor ESXi ARM 8.0.3b on a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. The CM4 is installed in a Turing Pi v2 Mini ITX Clusterboard, delivering a compact and powerful platform for ARM virtualization.
In this 1 hour and 19-minute guide, I’ll take you step-by-step through every detail, covering:
? Demonstrating Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit booting on CM4.
? Creating and installing the ESXi ARM UEFI boot image.
? Configuring iSCSI storage using Synology NAS.
? Setting up ESXi ARM with licensing, NTP, and NFS storage.
? A full walkthrough of PXE booting and TFTP configuration.
? Netbooting the CM4 and finalizing the ESXi ARM environment.
? Flashing the BMC firmware is covered in this video
? Replacing the self-signed Turing Pi v2 SSL certificate with a certificate from Microsoft Certificate Services. is covered in this video
As an avid enthusiast of VMware’s innovations, I’m diving headfirst into the ESXi ARM Fling v2.0, which is built on the robust VMware vSphere Hypervisor ESXi 8.0.3b codebase. The ARM architecture has always intrigued me, and with this latest version, VMware has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with ESXi on ARM devices. It’s a playground full of potential for anyone experimenting with lightweight, power-efficient infrastructures.
After much anticipation, my Turing Pi Mini ITX boards have arrived! These boards are compatible with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, offering a modular, scalable setup perfect for ARM experimentation. With a few Compute Module 4s ready to go, I’m eager to bring this setup to life. However, finding a suitable case for the Turing Pi board has proven to be a bit of a challenge.
While Turing Pi has announced an official ITX case for their boards, it’s currently on preorder and comes with a hefty price tag. For now, I’ve decided to go with a practical and versatile option: the Streamcom Mini ITX OpenBench case. Its open-frame design is functional, and it’ll keep the board accessible during testing and configuration.
I’m also considering crafting my own custom case. Using laser-cut wood or acrylic is an appealing option, offering the opportunity to create something unique and tailored to my specific requirements. But for now, the OpenBench case will do nicely as I explore the ESXi ARM Fling.
The ESXi ARM Fling project is an exciting venture for anyone who loves to experiment with virtualization. Running ESXi on ARM hardware offers several advantages:
The v2.0 update introduces enhanced support, better performance, and bug fixes, making it an excellent choice for exploring the ARM ecosystem.
With the hardware in hand and the ESXi ARM Fling v2.0 ready to install, I’m planning to dive into:
I’ll share updates on the build process, challenges, and performance insights in future posts. For now, I’m excited to get started and see what this setup can achieve.
Stay tuned for more! If you’ve experimented with the ESXi ARM Fling or have tips for working with the Turing Pi board, I’d love to hear from you.
In this video presentation which is part of the Hancock’s VMware Half Hour I will show you HOW TO: Manually remove a failed vSAN disk group from a VMware vSphere vSAN cluster using ESXCLI.
The VMware vSphere vCenter Server web client has difficulty in performing some vSAN actions, so we need to connect via SSH to the bash shell of the ESXI host to perform this action using the following command
esxcli vsan storage remove -u <VSAN Disk Group UUID>
see here
How to manually remove and recreate a vSAN disk group using esxcli
In this video presentation which is part of the Hancock’s VMware Half Hour I will show you HOW TO: Migrate physical, virtual and cloud based workloads with real-time replication to VMware vSphere (ESXi) or Microsoft Hyper-V using OpenText Migrate.
Ten years ago I wrote the following article about the product Double-Take MOVE by Vision Solutions. It’s been acquired in the last ten years, by Carbonite, and now is in the hand of OpenText, and is name going forward will be OpenText Migrate.
HOW TO: Migrate physical, virtual and cloud based workloads with real-time replication to VMware vSphere (ESXi) using Double-Take MOVE
In these uncertain times, when you may be required to migrate workloads between platforms, such as VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V etc I can highly recommend OpenText Migrate. as one of the best products on the market for your Migration Project.
In this video I will demonstrate the migration of an Linux Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Server from Microsoft Hyper-V to VMware vSphere, and concurrently migrate a Microsoft Windows 2022 Server from VMware vSphere to Microsoft Hyper-V, with very little downtime.
This video was created in response to Experts Exchange members asking the question “have I compromised my ESXi host be adding to AD?”
In this video presentation which is part of the Hancock’s VMware Half Hour I will show you HOW TO: Check if you have compromised your VMware ESXi 8.0 Hosts if you have added them to Microsoft Active Directory.
In this video demonstration the ESXi servers are ESXi 8.0.3, which have the “fix” detailed below
Secure Default Settings for ESXi Active Directory integration
To demonstrate the differences between a compromised and non-compromised server, I have deliberately changed the default settings on esxi002.cyrus-consultants.co.uk, so the server can be compromised.
HOW NOT TO: Compromise your VMware vSphere Hypervisor ESXi 5.1, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 6.7, 7.0, 8.0 by adding to Microsoft Active Directory
On the 29th July 2024, Microsoft discovered a vulnerability in ESXi hypervisors being exploited by several ransomware operators to obtain full administrative permissions on domain-joined ESXi hypervisors.
this publication is here – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/07/29/ransomware-operators-exploit-esxi-hypervisor-vulnerability-for-mass-encryption/
VMware vExperts – Christian Mohn wrote about it here – VMware vSphere CVE-2024-37085 – A Nothing Burger
and Bob Plankers goes into more detail here – Thoughts on CVE-2024-37085 & VMSA-2024-0013
Please have a read of these publications.
Broadcom have issued updates and fixes to vSphere 7.0 and 8.0, and VCF 4.x and 5.x only. There is no security update for 6.7.
https://support.broadcom.com/web/ecx/support-content-notification/-/external/content/SecurityAdvisories/0/24505
Halloween has always held a special place in our family, marked by a long-standing tradition involving two carved pumpkins meant to ward off evil spirits. In truth, it may have started because of my mother, who is a “Real Witch” (at least, that’s what she’d have you believe), born on Halloween itself! Her influence has certainly kept the spirit alive—quite literally, perhaps.
Growing up in the 80s, pumpkins were a rare sight where I lived. Back then, we didn’t have those big, orange squash that glow so perfectly in the night. Instead, we carved whatever was at hand—turnips and swedes, mostly. If you’ve never hollowed out a turnip, let me tell you, it’s no small feat! They’re tough little things, but my siblings and I would spend hours carving faces into those root vegetables, sticking candles inside, and setting them proudly by the front door.
Fast forward nearly forty years, and here I am, still keeping up the Halloween ritual. Today, pumpkins are plentiful, and I go out of my way each year to get just the right two. Some years I even grow them myself, but I usually end up scouting a local shop or pumpkin patch for just the right pair. Each Halloween, my part is to hollow them out carefully, while Lindsey brings them to life with her carving skills, adding those frightful faces that we hope still ward off whatever might be lurking in the shadows.
One year, about 20 years ago, I was away working and didn’t expect to be home for Halloween. But I managed to get back a bit earlier than planned. As I approached the house, two familiar jack-o’-lanterns glowed in the dark, flickering as if they’d been waiting for me. Lindsey had kept up the tradition, knowing how much it meant, and it was a simple but unforgettable moment that reminded me why these little customs are worth holding onto.
This year, on the night of October 30th, I thought I was all set. I’d bought the pumpkins early, choosing two that seemed perfect. They’d been safely stored in the back of the car, waiting for their transformation into guardians of the doorstep. But as I went to take them out, my heart sank—they were a soggy mess, leaking pumpkin juice all over the back of my “bee-mobile.” Disheartened but determined, I considered scouring the countryside for replacements. But Lindsey, ever practical (and with perhaps a touch of witchy wisdom herself), insisted I stay put. “Don’t go out in the dark!” she warned.
Halloween morning arrived, and the search began. I thought surely Pocklington Sainsbury’s would have some, but after a fruitless search, I moved on to Aldi—again, no pumpkins. Next stop was the Coop, then Browns the Grocers. Still nothing! It was turning into a real Halloween scavenger hunt. With optimism waning, I set out for Tescos in Market Weighton—surely they’d have some. But, no luck. Determined not to give up, I headed for Langlands Garden Centre. And yet, not a pumpkin in sight there, either.
Just as I was starting to think the tradition might be doomed, I remembered a nearby “Pick Your Own” (PYO) pumpkin farm. With renewed hope, I drove over, imagining rows of pumpkins just waiting for a home. But as I neared the entrance, I saw the sign on the gate—CLOSED. Still, something nudged me to check further. The padlock was open, and as I peered in, I saw a trailer and pickup truck in the distance. A man climbed out of the truck, and as I got closer, I recognized him from my days at the allotments years ago.
I approached, and we had a good chat. I learned that he’d owned the PYO farm for years. I told him about my pumpkin predicament and how the ones in my “bee-mobile” had rotted. He nodded knowingly and said, “It’s been a terrible year for pumpkins with all the rain. They’ve been rotting early everywhere. That’s why all the supermarkets had them out so early—suppliers just dumped them on them. Tesco’s has had loads of complaints with people returning rotten pumpkins!”
I told him about my search, and he said he’d just delivered the last trailer load to a local nursery. Everything left in the field was likely rotten, too. But then he smiled and said, “Help yourself for free. If you can find any good ones, they’re yours.” I thanked him, told him I’d be back next year, and set off through the field with renewed determination.
With a bit of luck (and perhaps a touch of magic), I found two pumpkins that were just good enough to carve. As I left, I couldn’t help but feel grateful—and maybe even a bit triumphant. This year’s search had turned out to be a true Halloween tale. So, never give up, and never surrender! Come Halloween night, those two faces would be glowing on our doorstep, keeping the family tradition alive.
And somewhere, my mother is likely cackling in approval.
As I sit here on a damp October evening, the realization hits me that Halloween is just around the corner. Instead of preparing for spooky festivities, I find myself diving into the world of Veeam Backup and Replication 12.2. This is not just any installation; it’s a journey through a product that I’ve been relying on for years, and I’m excited to share the quirks, bumps, and triumphs of this process with you.
TL;DR: In this post, I detail my experience with installing and configuring Veeam Backup and Replication 12.2, covering its features, installation tips, and lessons learned along the way.
When it comes to data protection solutions, Veeam Backup and Replication stands out, especially in the virtual environment realm. You might be wondering, “What exactly can Veeam do for me?” Well, let’s dive in.
Veeam Backup and Replication is not just another data protection tool. It is a comprehensive solution designed to secure your data across various platforms, including VMware, Hyper-V, and the newly supported ProMox. This flexibility and adaptability make it a go-to option for many organizations.
Veeam Backup and Replication 12.2 has further improved support for different environments. For those who use VMware vSphere or Hyper-V, this version is a game-changer. Why? Because it brings additional features tailored to ensure your data remains safe in fluctuating circumstances.
When choosing a backup solution, you often hear competitors like Arcserve and Rubrik being mentioned. So, how does Veeam stack up?
In short, Veeam’s ability to adapt to user needs often gives it the upper hand. This is crucial, especially for businesses aiming to optimize their operations without breaking the bank.
My journey with Veeam began a few years ago when I encountered a data disaster. I remember being stressed out over the potential loss of critical information. Enter Veeam. At the time, I was working on a project that heavily relied on the data stored in our VM environment. As luck would have it, a server crashed, and my heart sank.
However, I had Veeam Backup running in the background. The restoration was straightforward. Within moments, our system was back online. The relief was palpable! That experience solidified my trust in Veeam as a reliable backup provider.
Since that day, I’ve continued to use Veeam not only for its recovery speeds but also because of its evolving features, like the newly added support for ProMox. In my opinion, being able to recover data rapidly is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment.
In a world where data is paramount, choosing the right backup solution can make all the difference. Organizations looking for peace of mind, especially in virtual settings, should seriously consider Veeam Backup and Replication. It’s not just about backing up; it’s about ensuring your business continuity.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, so does Veeam, and I’m eager to see how they will expand their features even further in the future.
Deploying a new Windows Server 2022 as a virtual machine in our production environment was truly an adventure in itself. I faced various challenges and learned a ton along the way. Let me walk you through my experience, covering the initial setup, the hurdles I encountered, and some ISO management tips that can make your life easier.
Before jumping into the installation, a few key considerations came to mind. First off, I wanted to ensure that my virtual machine was equipped with adequate resources. After all, nobody wants a sluggish server. So, I made sure to include:
Speaking of the Veeam ISO, it was a whopping 12.2 GB in size! This sheer magnitude made me chuckle. I thought, “This must be one of the largest ISO downloads I’ve encountered outside of Fortnite.” Just imagine the download time if you’ve got a slow internet connection!
With the setup considered, I launched into the installation process. However, as with any tech project, challenges arose:
At times, it felt like a game of whack-a-mole as issues popped up, only to be replaced with new ones. Yet, that’s just part of the experience, right?
Managing an ISO isn’t just about downloading and installing; it’s a meticulous process. Here are some practical tips I picked up:
In conclusion, my journey to deploy Windows Server 2022 had its fair share of thrills. Remember to anticipate challenges and keep your ISOs organized. Every hiccup is a learning moment, and I’m excited to see where this adventure takes us next.
Connecting Veeam to VMware vCenter can feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to virtualization. But trust me, once you grasp the basics, it’s a breeze. Here’s how I usually go about it:
Now, let’s dive deeper into that last point: certificate trust. Ever faced the frustration of a failed backup because of pesky certificate issues? I have, and it’s *not* fun. Certificates are vital for authenticating connections between your Veeam and vCenter server. If not managed correctly, they can become a serious headache.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how these trusts work:
In short, managing your certificates is essential for smooth operations. Just think of it as tending to your garden—if you don’t regularly water your plants, they’ll wither and fail to thrive.
Integrating Veeam with VMware vCenter was not without its challenges. I remember running into a particularly troublesome situation during a critical backup window. Our vCenter certificate had renewed, and unexpectedly, the Veeam backup failed. Panic ensued as users awaited their data recovery. It was a stressful time, to say the least. But from that experience, I learned an important lesson: never overlook certificate management.
After that incident, I made it a point to be proactive. I set reminders for certificate renewals and scheduled regular connectivity tests. Plus, I always ensure a solid backup strategy is in place for the vCenter server itself. Because, as they say, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”
While integrating these systems, one cannot ignore the relationship between patching and backups. Having the latest patches applied to your vCenter can actually help in smooth integrations with Veeam. But here’s the catch: patches can sometimes cause unexpected behavior. I’ve encountered several instances where after patching, the vCenter server became unreachable. That’s why I make it a point to:
Every integration effort, no matter how stressful, offers valuable lessons. By paying careful attention to certificate trusts and preparing for potential issues, the process can transform from a daunting task into a manageable project. Who knew that this kind of integration could lead to such enriching experiences?
When we think about backup strategies, we often picture a simple external drive or cloud storage. But have you ever thought about what happens if that backup gets compromised? That’s where a hardened backup repository comes into play. So, what exactly does this mean?
A hardened backup repository is an additional layer of security for your backup data. It’s designed to resist unauthorized access or malicious attacks, such as ransomware. Think of it as a fortress where your backups are kept safe. In a world where data breaches are becoming more common, a hardened repository is essential. It acts as a safeguard against threats that could otherwise wreak havoc on your vital data.
Essentially, you want your backup strategy to be as secure as possible. After all, what good is a backup if attackers can easily delete or encrypt your data? A hardened repository prevents that – ensuring your backups remain intact and accessible during a crisis.
Now that we’ve established why a hardened repository is crucial, let’s dive into how to set one up. Here’s a step-by-step guide on adding a Linux hardened repository:
sudo apt-get update
does the trick.Now that we understand the steps, let’s talk about the common pitfalls. It’s easy to overlook certain aspects when you’re busy configuring your backup strategy. Here are a few mistakes you should avoid:
Establishing a hardened repository wasn’t just about adding security; it was crucial for the trust in our backup strategy moving forward. Mistakes can happen, but by setting up a solid backup strategy, we can minimize risks and ensure our data remains protected.
Setting up backups can feel a lot like preparing for a significant day in your life, perhaps akin to sending your kid off to their first day of school. It arouses a mix of excitement and a hint of anxiety. With the setup complete and the virtual environment in place, I was ready to launch my first backup job using Veeam Backup and Replication. Here’s how you can run a test backup job in Veeam and what to look for in the results.
Running a test backup job is a great way to familiarize yourself with the Veeam interface. So, let’s break down the steps:
Once the backup job runs, you’ll want to analyze the results. Here’s what to check:
Performance metrics can tell you a lot about your backup job and overall environment. Consider the following:
With this knowledge in hand, you can confidently go into your first backup job knowing the parameters of what to look for. I remember my first test, feeling all the apprehension coupled with eagerness. It’s normal! But with each job, you get better. Keep striving for that perfect backup job.
As I watched the job run successfully, a sense of relief washed over me. Each successful backup made me appreciate Veeam’s capabilities even more. And remember, this journey isn’t just about executing tasks; it’s about learning and adjusting along the way.
The journey of installing and configuring Veeam was not just a technical task; it was a learning experience packed with valuable insights. I faced various bumps along the way, but each challenge taught me something important about the scope of backup solutions and their reliability. Here are the key takeaways from this process.
Through this installation experience, one aspect stood out the most: the need for robust backup redundancy. I learned that backup solutions should never be set and forgotten. Instead, regular checks and evaluations are essential. Here are some reflections:
“It’s essential to have a backup of your database before embarking on upgrades; this can’t be overstated.”
If you’re new to Veeam or considering using it for your backup strategy, here are some pieces of advice:
Throughout my time spent installing Veeam, I discovered crucial best practices:
Reflecting on my experience, I can confidently say that Veeam has reinforced the notion that a proactive approach to data security is vital. Each lesson learned has paved the way for smoother operation and better data management. If you’re embarking on this journey, remember that preparation and diligence are your best allies.
As I wrap up this exploration of Veeam Backup and Replication 12.2, I find myself genuinely impressed. This tool has proven to be more than just software; it’s a crucial partner in our daily tasks of managing data integrity and security. Isn’t it reassuring to know that you have reliable technology by your side? When it comes to backup solutions, flexibility is key, and Veeam absolutely shines here. It adeptly handles different environments, making it a versatile choice for anyone’s data management needs.
Through my journey with Veeam, I’ve experienced firsthand how this platform consolidates various backup processes into one efficient system. The ability to support different platforms such as VMware, Hyper-V, and even Proxmox is a game changer. It removes the headache of juggling multiple tools for different systems. With Veeam, you get a single solution that works across various scenarios – what more could you ask for?
Let’s take a moment to think about why you should consider Veeam for your own projects. If you’re someone who regularly deals with data backup, you would know how vital it is to have a solution that keeps your data safe. Have you ever lost essential files due to poor backup solutions? It’s not a pleasant experience. Veeam aims to bridge that gap, ensuring your peace of mind.
Now’s the time to dive deeper into Veeam’s features. Don’t just take my word for it; explore the benefits of using Veeam Backup and Replication 12.2 for yourself. I highly encourage you to download a trial and test its capabilities. Whether you are a seasoned IT expert or a small business owner, experiencing it firsthand might just change your perspective on backup solutions. Remember, no one wants to regret missing out on the right tools.
Looking ahead, I plan to unravel more exciting features of Veeam in upcoming posts. This includes practical tips that can enhance your backup strategies. Why not stay updated? Subscribe for fresh insights on how to optimize Veeam for your workflow. Possible future topics may cover:
In these future discussions, I’m eager to share tips, tricks, and my own experiences with the broader community. There is so much to learn about how best to configure Veeam for various circumstances. Isn’t that what community engagement is all about?
In conclusion, if you’re involved in managing data, Veeam Backup and Replication 12.2 is a solution worth considering. With its robust features and flexibility, it can be tailored to fit just about any environment. Remember, using a tool like this isn’t just about backing up files; it’s about establishing trust in your systems. As Veeam proves to be that vital partner in data management, let’s embrace its potential together!
“Veeam isn’t just a tool—it’s a vital partner in managing data integrity and security.”
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more posts where I will dive even deeper into each feature and share compelling experiences. Together, let’s explore the powerful world of data management.
As a beekeeper, the beginning of each year brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. However, 2024 tested my patience and optimism like no other. Back in May through July, my outlook was far from positive. With spring weather patterns working against us, the critical early-season crop seemed doomed. It’s no exaggeration to say that by mid-summer, I was feeling quite pessimistic about the year’s honey crop.
Spring is typically when the hives kick into high gear. The bees emerge, eager to forage on early blooms, and begin building reserves that set the foundation for the rest of the year. But 2024 had different plans. The season’s unusually poor weather disrupted the natural cycle – what should have been a time of abundance turned out to be a near-washout. With fewer foraging opportunities and continued unpredictability in the climate, the colonies faced one challenge after another, putting both the bees and myself on high alert.
To add to this challenge, the spring crop didn’t just underperform; it was, frankly, a disaster. Hive after hive struggled to produce the usual bounty, and despite my best efforts to mitigate losses with supplemental feeding, the lack of natural forage meant the colonies could only do so much.
Around mid-summer, just when I thought we might be on track for one of the leanest seasons I’d ever had, the tides began to turn. The weather started to stabilize, and a late surge in blooming forage plants provided a second wind. Watching the bees set out on these fresh foraging runs was a welcome sight, and I noticed a significant improvement in hive activity.
By late July, my pessimism began to soften. The bees’ tenacity had paid off, and we started seeing the hives gradually replenish themselves. While the honey flow wasn’t as fast or plentiful as in previous years, the resilience of the colonies brought in a decent summer crop. With careful management and a bit of luck, I found myself – despite my early doubts – with honey stores that could just meet demand.
Now, with the final supers – or “honey boxes” – extracted and the honey filtered, they’re stacked neatly in the honey warming cabinets, ready for jarring. But before the first jar can even be labeled, there’s a massive clean-up ahead. If you’ve never experienced it, imagine honey practically everywhere – likely even in my ears! Every surface in the processing area needs a thorough washdown, and then each sticky super needs to be wrapped, racked, and palletized for safe storage until next season.
With the last of the honey tucked away, the work continues with inventory checks and restocking in the bee shed. Final orders are placed with distributors for fresh frames and wax foundations, and I get down to building frames for the next season. And if time allows, I’ll even try my hand at some candle making from the leftover beeswax – a favorite winter project.
Looking back on the 2024 season, I’m reminded of the resilience and adaptability beekeeping demands. Despite the disappointment of a failed spring crop, this honey season taught me to trust in the bees’ ability to bounce back and adapt to changing conditions. Beekeeping is as much about partnership with nature as it is about hard work and preparation.
So, as I prepare to winterize the hives and reflect on the season, I do so with gratitude – both for the bees’ resilience and the loyal customers who support this journey, year after year. It was a season of twists and turns, but ultimately, one that ended on a much sweeter note than I could have predicted back in those challenging spring months.