* [pbs-devel] [PATCH proxmox-backup 2/3] docs: add installation wizard guide
2024-10-01 14:23 [pbs-devel] [PATCH proxmox-backup 0/3] docs: add installation media & wizard documentation Christoph Heiss
2024-10-01 14:23 ` [pbs-devel] [PATCH proxmox-backup 1/3] docs: add installation media preparation guide Christoph Heiss
@ 2024-10-01 14:23 ` Christoph Heiss
2024-10-01 14:23 ` [pbs-devel] [PATCH proxmox-backup 3/3] docs: images: add installer guide screenshots Christoph Heiss
2 siblings, 0 replies; 4+ messages in thread
From: Christoph Heiss @ 2024-10-01 14:23 UTC (permalink / raw)
To: pbs-devel
Signed-off-by: Christoph Heiss <c.heiss@proxmox.com>
---
docs/installation.rst | 23 +--
docs/local-zfs.rst | 1 +
docs/system-requirements.rst | 2 +
docs/using-the-installer.rst | 345 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
4 files changed, 351 insertions(+), 20 deletions(-)
create mode 100644 docs/using-the-installer.rst
diff --git a/docs/installation.rst b/docs/installation.rst
index 27108c99..d41142d4 100644
--- a/docs/installation.rst
+++ b/docs/installation.rst
@@ -30,27 +30,10 @@ The provided ISO will get you started in just a few minutes, and is the
recommended method for new and existing users.
Alternatively, Proxmox Backup Server can be installed on top of an
-existing Debian system.
+existing Debian system. This option is only recommended for advanced users
+because detailed knowledge about Proxmox Backup Server is required.
-Install `Proxmox Backup`_ Server using the Installer
-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-
-Download the ISO from |DOWNLOADS|.
-It includes the following:
-
-* The Proxmox Backup Server installer, which partitions the local
- disk(s) with ext4, xfs or ZFS, and installs the operating system
-
-* Complete operating system (Debian Linux, 64-bit)
-
-* Proxmox Linux kernel with ZFS support
-
-* Complete tool-set to administer backups and all necessary resources
-
-* Web based management interface
-
-.. note:: During the installation process, the complete server
- is used by default and all existing data is removed.
+.. include:: using-the-installer.rst
Install `Proxmox Backup`_ Server Unattended
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
diff --git a/docs/local-zfs.rst b/docs/local-zfs.rst
index 83f89e70..b7bc727b 100644
--- a/docs/local-zfs.rst
+++ b/docs/local-zfs.rst
@@ -264,6 +264,7 @@ systems with more than 256 GiB of total memory, where simply setting
# update-initramfs -u
+.. _zfs_swap:
Swap on ZFS
^^^^^^^^^^^
diff --git a/docs/system-requirements.rst b/docs/system-requirements.rst
index 023003c3..178c8914 100644
--- a/docs/system-requirements.rst
+++ b/docs/system-requirements.rst
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ production. To further decrease the impact of a failed host, you can set up
periodic, efficient, incremental :ref:`datastore synchronization <syncjobs>`
from other Proxmox Backup Server instances.
+.. _minimum_system_requirements:
+
Minimum Server Requirements, for Evaluation
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
diff --git a/docs/using-the-installer.rst b/docs/using-the-installer.rst
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..cec640c5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/using-the-installer.rst
@@ -0,0 +1,345 @@
+.. _using_the_installer:
+
+Install `Proxmox Backup`_ Server using the Installer
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+Download the ISO from |DOWNLOADS|.
+It includes the following:
+
+* The Proxmox Backup Server installer, which partitions the local
+ disk(s) with ext4, xfs or ZFS, and installs the operating system
+
+* Complete operating system (Debian Linux, 64-bit)
+
+* Proxmox Linux kernel with ZFS support
+
+* Complete toolset to administer backups and all necessary resources
+
+* Web-based management interface
+
+.. note:: All existing data on the selected drives will be removed during the
+ installation process. The installer does not add boot menu entries for other
+ operating systems.
+
+Please insert the :ref:`installation_media` (for example, USB flash drive or
+CD-ROM) and boot from it.
+
+.. note:: Make sure that booting from the installation medium (for example, USB)
+ is enabled in your server's firmware settings. Secure boot needs to be
+ disabled when booting an installer prior to `Proxmox Backup`_ Server version
+ 3.1.
+
+.. image:: images/screenshots/pbs-installer-grub-menu.png
+ :target: _images/pbs-installer-grub-menu.png
+ :align: right
+ :alt: Proxmox Backup Server Installer GRUB Menu
+
+After choosing the correct entry (for example, *Boot from USB*) the `Proxmox
+Backup`_ Server menu will be displayed, and one of the following options can be
+selected:
+
+**Install Proxmox Backup Server (Graphical)**
+
+Starts the normal installation.
+
+TIP: It's possible to use the installation wizard with a keyboard only. Buttons
+can be clicked by pressing the ``ALT`` key combined with the underlined character
+from the respective button. For example, ``ALT + N`` to press a ``Next`` button.
+
+**Install Proxmox Backup Server (Console)**
+
+Starts the terminal-mode installation wizard. It provides the same overall
+installation experience as the graphical installer, but has generally better
+compatibility with very old and very new hardware.
+
+**Install Proxmox Backup Server (Terminal UI, Serial Console)**
+
+Starts the terminal-mode installation wizard, additionally setting up the Linux
+kernel to use the (first) serial port of the machine for in- and output. This
+can be used if the machine is completely headless and only has a serial console
+available.
+
+.. image:: images/screenshots/pbs-tui-installer.png
+ :target: _images/pbs-tui-installer.png
+ :align: right
+ :alt: Proxmox Backup Server Terminal UI Installer
+
+Both modes use the same code base for the actual installation process to
+benefit from more than a decade of bug fixes and ensure feature parity.
+
+TIP: The *Console* or *Terminal UI* option can be used in case the graphical
+installer does not work correctly, due to e.g. driver issues. See also
+:ref:`nomodeset_kernel_param`.
+
+**Advanced Options: Install Proxmox Backup Server (Debug Mode)**
+
+Starts the installation in debug mode. A console will be opened at several
+installation steps. This helps to debug the situation if something goes wrong.
+To exit a debug console, press ``CTRL-D``. This option can be used to boot a
+live system with all basic tools available. You can use it, for example, to
+repair a degraded ZFS *rpool* or fix the :ref:`chapter-systembooting` for an
+existing Proxmox Backup Server setup.
+
+**Advanced Options: Install Proxmox Backup Server (Terminal UI, Debug Mode)**
+
+Same as the graphical debug mode, but preparing the system to run the
+terminal-based installer instead.
+
+**Advanced Options: Install Proxmox Backup Server (Serial Console Debug Mode)**
+
+Same the terminal-based debug mode, but additionally sets up the Linux kernel to
+use the (first) serial port of the machine for in- and output.
+
+**Advanced Options: Rescue Boot**
+
+With this option you can boot an existing installation. It searches all attached
+hard disks. If it finds an existing installation, it boots directly into that
+disk using the Linux kernel from the ISO. This can be useful if there are
+problems with the bootloader (GRUB/``systemd-boot``) or the BIOS/UEFI is unable
+to read the boot block from the disk.
+
+**Advanced Options: Test Memory (memtest86+)**
+
+Runs *memtest86+*. This is useful to check if the memory is functional and free
+of errors. Secure Boot must be turned off in the UEFI firmware setup utility to
+run this option.
+
+You normally select *Install Proxmox Backup Server (Graphical)* to start the
+installation.
+
+The first step is to read our EULA (End User License Agreement). Following this,
+you can select the target hard disk(s) for the installation.
+
+.. caution:: By default, the whole server is used and all existing data is
+ removed. Make sure there is no important data on the server before proceeding
+ with the installation.
+
+The *Options* button lets you select the target file system, which defaults to
+``ext4``. The installer uses LVM if you select ``ext4`` or ``xfs`` as a file
+system, and offers additional options to restrict LVM space (see :ref:`below
+<advanced_lvm_options>`).
+
+.. image:: images/screenshots/pbs-installer-select-disk.png
+ :target: _images/pbs-installer-select-disk.png
+ :align: right
+ :alt: Proxmox Backup Server Installer - Harddisk Selection Dialog
+
+Proxmox Backup Server can also be installed on ZFS. As ZFS offers several
+software RAID levels, this is an option for systems that don't have a hardware
+RAID controller. The target disks must be selected in the *Options* dialog. More
+ZFS specific settings can be changed under :ref:`Advanced Options
+<advanced_zfs_options>`.
+
+.. warning:: ZFS on top of any hardware RAID is not supported and can result in
+ data loss.
+
+.. image:: images/screenshots/pbs-installer-location.png
+ :target: _images/pbs-installer-location.png
+ :align: right
+ :alt: Proxmox Backup Server Installer - Location and timezone configuration
+
+The next page asks for basic configuration options like your location, time
+zone, and keyboard layout. The location is used to select a nearby download
+server, in order to increase the speed of updates. The installer is usually able
+to auto-detect these settings, so you only need to change them in rare
+situations when auto-detection fails, or when you want to use a keyboard layout
+not commonly used in your country.
+
+.. image:: images/screenshots/pbs-installer-password.png
+ :target: _images/pbs-installer-password.png
+ :align: left
+ :alt: Proxmox Backup Server Installer - Password and email configuration
+
+Next the password of the superuser (``root``) and an email address needs to be
+specified. The password must consist of at least 5 characters. It's highly
+recommended to use a stronger password. Some guidelines are:
+
+|
+|
+
+- Use a minimum password length of at least 12 characters.
+
+- Include lowercase and uppercase alphabetic characters, numbers, and symbols.
+
+- Avoid character repetition, keyboard patterns, common dictionary words,
+ letter or number sequences, usernames, relative or pet names, romantic links
+ (current or past), and biographical information (for example ID numbers,
+ ancestors' names or dates).
+
+The email address is used to send notifications to the system administrator.
+For example:
+
+- Information about available package updates.
+
+- Error messages from periodic *cron* jobs.
+
+.. image:: images/screenshots/pbs-installer-network.png
+ :target: _images/pbs-installer-network.png
+ :align: right
+ :alt: Proxmox Backup Server Installer - Network configuration
+
+All those notification mails will be sent to the specified email address.
+
+The last step is the network configuration. Network interfaces that are *UP*
+show a filled circle in front of their name in the drop down menu. Please note
+that during installation you can either specify an IPv4 or IPv6 address, but not
+both. To configure a dual stack node, add additional IP addresses after the
+installation.
+
+.. image:: images/screenshots/pbs-installer-progress.png
+ :target: _images/pbs-installer-progress.png
+ :align: left
+ :alt: Proxmox Backup Server Installer - Installation progress
+
+The next step shows a summary of the previously selected options. Please
+re-check every setting and use the *Previous* button if a setting needs to be
+changed.
+
+After clicking *Install*, the installer will begin to format the disks and copy
+packages to the target disk(s). Please wait until this step has finished; then
+remove the installation medium and restart your system.
+
+.. image:: images/screenshots/pbs-installer-summary.png
+ :target: _images/pbs-installer-summary.png
+ :align: right
+ :alt: Proxmox Backup Server Installer - Installation summary
+
+Copying the packages usually takes several minutes, mostly depending on the
+speed of the installation medium and the target disk performance.
+
+When copying and setting up the packages has finished, you can reboot the
+server. This will be done automatically after a few seconds by default.
+
+Installation Failure
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+If the installation failed, check out specific errors on the second TTY
+(``CTRL + ALT + F2``) and ensure that the systems meets the
+:ref:`minimum requirements <minimum_system_requirements>`.
+
+If the installation is still not working, look at the :ref:`how to get help
+chapter <get_help>`.
+
+Accessing the Management Interface Post-Installation
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+.. image:: images/screenshots/pbs-gui-login-window.png
+ :target: _images/pbs-gui-login-window.png
+ :align: right
+ :alt: Proxmox Backup Server - Management interface login dialog
+
+After a successful installation and reboot of the system you can use the Proxmox
+Backup Server web interface for further configuration.
+
+- Point your browser to the IP address given during the installation and port
+ 8007, for example: https://pbs.yourdomain.tld:8007
+
+- Log in using the ``root`` (realm *Linux PAM standard authentication*) username
+ and the password chosen during installation.
+
+- Upload your subscription key to gain access to the Enterprise repository.
+ Otherwise, you will need to set up one of the public, less tested package
+ repositories to get updates for security fixes, bug fixes, and new features.
+
+- Check the IP configuration and hostname.
+
+- Check the timezone.
+
+.. _advanced_lvm_options:
+
+Advanced LVM Configuration Options
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+The installer creates a Volume Group (VG) called ``pbs``, and additional Logical
+Volumes (LVs) called ``root`` and ``swap``, if ``ext4`` or ``xfs`` as filesystem
+is used. To control the size of these volumes use:
+
+- *hdsize*
+
+ Defines the total hard disk size to be used. This way you can reserve free
+ space on the hard disk for further partitioning.
+
+- *swapsize*
+
+ Defines the size of the ``swap`` volume. The default is the size of the
+ installed memory, minimum 4 GB and maximum 8 GB. The resulting value cannot
+ be greater than ``hdsize/8``.
+
+ If set to ``0``, no ``swap`` volume will be created.
+
+- *minfree*
+
+ Defines the amount of free space that should be left in the LVM volume group
+ ``pbs``. With more than 128GB storage available, the default is 16GB,
+ otherwise ``hdsize/8`` will be used.
+
+.. _advanced_zfs_options:
+
+Advanced ZFS Configuration Options
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+The installer creates the ZFS pool ``rpool``, if ZFS is used. No swap space is
+created but you can reserve some unpartitioned space on the install disks for
+swap. You can also create a swap zvol after the installation, although this can
+lead to problems (see :ref:`ZFS swap notes <zfs_swap>`).
+
+- *ashift*
+
+ Defines the *ashift* value for the created pool. The *ashift* needs to be
+ set at least to the sector-size of the underlying disks (2 to the power of
+ *ashift* is the sector-size), or any disk which might be put in the pool
+ (for example the replacement of a defective disk).
+
+- *compress*
+
+ Defines whether compression is enabled for ``rpool``.
+
+- *checksum*
+
+ Defines which checksumming algorithm should be used for ``rpool``.
+
+- *copies*
+
+ Defines the *copies* parameter for ``rpool``. Check the ``zfs(8)`` manpage
+ for the semantics, and why this does not replace redundancy on disk-level.
+
+- *hdsize*
+
+ Defines the total hard disk size to be used. This is useful to save free
+ space on the hard disk(s) for further partitioning (for example, to create a
+ swap partition). *hdsize* is only honored for bootable disks, that is only
+ the first disk or mirror for RAID0, RAID1 or RAID10, and all disks in
+ RAID-Z[123].
+
+ZFS Performance Tips
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+ZFS works best with a lot of memory. If you intend to use ZFS make sure to have
+enough RAM available for it. A good calculation is 4GB plus 1GB RAM for each TB
+of raw disk space.
+
+ZFS can use a dedicated drive as write cache, called the ZFS Intent Log (ZIL).
+Use a fast drive (SSD) for it. It can be added after installation with the
+following command:
+
+.. code-block:: console
+
+ # zpool add <pool-name> log </dev/path_to_fast_ssd>
+
+.. _nomodeset_kernel_param:
+
+Adding the ``nomodeset`` Kernel Parameter
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+Problems may arise on very old or very new hardware due to graphics drivers. If
+the installation hangs during boot, you can try adding the ``nomodeset``
+parameter. This prevents the Linux kernel from loading any graphics drivers and
+forces it to continue using the BIOS/UEFI-provided framebuffer.
+
+On the Proxmox Backup Server bootloader menu, navigate to *Install Proxmox
+Backup Server (Console)* and press ``e`` to edit the entry. Using the arrow
+keys, navigate to the line starting with ``linux``, move the cursor to the end
+of that line and add the parameter ``nomodeset``, separated by a space from the
+pre-existing last parameter.
+
+Then press ``Ctrl-X`` or ``F10`` to boot the configuration.
--
2.46.0
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