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How to Install CentOS 9 Minimal – Powerful Yet Lightweight

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This guide will walk you through installing the minimal configuration of CentOS Stream 9. The minimal version is a lightweight, command-line interface (CLI) setup that installs only the essential features, allowing you to build your server with exactly the software you need. To get started, search for the official CentOS download page. Locate and download the x86_64 ISO file, which is required to create your virtual machine. While the file downloads, ensure you have VMware Workstation…

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Setting Up a CentOS Stream 9 Minimal Server on VMware

This guide will walk you through installing the minimal configuration of CentOS Stream 9. The minimal version is a lightweight, command-line interface (CLI) setup that installs only the essential features, allowing you to build your server with exactly the software you need.

Step 1: Download the CentOS Stream 9 ISO

To get started, search for the official CentOS download page. Locate and download the x86_64 ISO file, which is required to create your virtual machine. While the file downloads, ensure you have VMware Workstation installed and ready on your system.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

Once the download is complete, open VMware Workstation and select Create a New Virtual Machine.

  1. Wizard Settings: The "Welcome to the New Virtual Machine Wizard" will appear. For a seamless setup, choose the default Typical (recommended) option and click Next.

  2. Mount the ISO: Select Installer disc image file (iso), click Browse to locate your downloaded CentOS 9 ISO file, and click Next.

  3. User Personalization: Enter your full name, preferred username, and a secure password. Click Next.

  4. Name and Location: Name your virtual machine and choose where to save its installation files. While the default location is recommended, you can customize this using the Browse button. Click Next.

  5. Allocate Disk Space: Specify your maximum disk capacity. A size of 50 GB is recommended for general use, though you can adjust this based on your needs. Ensure Split virtual disk into multiple files remains selected, then click Next.

  6. Finalize the Wizard: Uncheck the box that says Power on this virtual machine after creation and click Finish.

Step 3: Optimize Virtual Machine Settings

Before powering on the VM, you need to adjust a few hardware settings to ensure a smooth configuration and avoid automated installation conflicts. Click on Edit virtual machine settings for your new VM.

  • Memory: Allocate at least 2 GB (2048 MB) of RAM.

  • Processors: Adjust the processor cores to 2 or 4, depending on the capabilities of your host machine.

  • Network Adapter: Change the network connection type to Bridged to give your server its own IP address on your local network.

Crucial Step: To manually customize your CentOS installation, you must prevent VMware's Easy Install feature from taking over. Select CD/DVD (SATA) - autoinst.iso from the hardware list, click Remove at the bottom of the menu, and then click OK.

Step 4: Boot and Install CentOS Stream 9

Now, click Power on this virtual machine to launch your server.

  1. Boot Menu: Click inside the VMware window to capture your mouse and keyboard. Use the Up Arrow key to highlight Install CentOS Stream 9 and press Enter.

  2. Language Selection: The system will load the necessary drivers and present the "Welcome to CentOS Stream 9" screen. Choose your preferred language and regional dialect, then click Continue.

  3. Installation Summary: You will arrive at the main hub of the installer. To proceed, you must configure three critical areas:

    • Installation Destination: Select your virtual hard drive to set up partitioning.

    • Root Password: Define a secure administrative password.

    • User Creation: Set up your primary user account for daily operations.

Once these configurations are set, you can begin the installation process to deploy your lightweight, secure CentOS 9 minimal CLI environment.

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