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Adding support for AlmaLinux Server
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Addressing vmware-samples#18.

Note: Guest Customization is not supported for Rocky Linux in vCenter Server 7.0 Update 2.
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@tenthirtyam
tenthirtyam committed Jul 21, 2021
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1 change: 1 addition & 0 deletions CHANGELOG.md
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![Rainpole](icon.png)

## 2021-07-21
* Added [support](https://github.com/rainpole/packer-vsphere/issues/18) for [AlmaLinux](http:https://almalinux.org) 8.
* Updated scripts for Linux to generate host keys using `ssh-keygen` to ensure `sshd` will start on machine images.

## 2021-07-16
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120 changes: 68 additions & 52 deletions README.md
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Expand Up @@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ The following builds are automated:
* Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS
* Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server 8
* Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server 7
* AlmaLinux Server 8
* Rocky Linux Server 8
* CentOS Server 8
* CentOS Server 7
Expand All @@ -41,26 +42,38 @@ The following builds are automated:
* Microsoft Windows Server 2019 - Standard and Datacenter
* Microsoft Windows Server 2016 - Standard and Datacenter

> **NOTE**: Guest Customization is [**not supported**](https://partnerweb.vmware.com/programs/guestOS/guest-os-customization-matrix.pdf) for Rocky Linux in vCenter Server 7.0 Update 2.
> **NOTE**: Guest Customization is [**not supported**](https://partnerweb.vmware.com/programs/guestOS/guest-os-customization-matrix.pdf) for AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux in vCenter Server 7.0 Update 2.
## Requirements

* macOS, Linux, or Windows.
* vCenter Server 7.0 Update 2 or higher.
* [Packer 1.7.3][packer-install] or higher.
* [packer-plugin-windows-update] 0.12.0 - a community plug-in for Packer.
Packer:
* [Packer][packer-install] 1.7.3 or higher.
* [Packer Plugin for Windows Updates][packer-plugin-windows-update] 0.12.0 or higher - a community plugin for Packer.

> **NOTE**: You must initialize the Packer plug-ins using Option P in `./build.sh` or place these same directory as your Packer executable `/usr/local/bin` or `$HOME/.packer.d/plugins`.
> Initialize the Packer plugin using Option P in `./build.sh` or place these same directory as your Packer executable `/usr/local/bin` or `$HOME/.packer.d/plugins`.
Operating Systems:
* macOS Big Sur (Intel)
* Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS
* Microsoft Windows Server 2019

> Operating systems and versions tested with the repository examples.
Additional Software Packages:
* [Git][download-git] command line tools.

Platform:
* vSphere 7.0 Update 2 or higher.

## Configuration

### Step 1 - Clone the Repository

Clone the GitHub repository:
Clone the GitHub repository using Git.

**Example**:
```
rainpole@macos> git clone https://github.com/rainpole/packer-vsphere.git
git clone https://github.com/rainpole/packer-vsphere.git
```

The directory structure of the repository.
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -119,24 +132,26 @@ packer-vsphere/
1. Download the x64 guest operating system [.iso][iso] images.

**Linux Distributions**
* VMware Photon OS 4.0
* VMware Photon OS 4
* [Download][download-linux-photon-server-4] the latest release.
* VMware Photon OS 3.0
* VMware Photon OS 3
* [Download][download-linux-photon-server-3] the latest release.
* Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS
* [Download][download-linux-ubuntu-server-20-04-lts] the latest **live** release.
* [Download][download-linux-ubuntu-server-20-04-lts] the latest **LIVE** release.
* Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS
* [Download][download-linux-ubuntu-server-18-04-lts] the latest legacy **non-live** release.
* [Download][download-linux-ubuntu-server-18-04-lts] the latest legacy **NON-LIVE** release.
* Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server 8
* [Download][download-linux-redhat-server-8] the latest release of the full (e.g `RHEL-x86_64-dvd1.iso`) .iso image.
* [Download][download-linux-redhat-server-8] the latest release of the full (e.g `RHEL-8-x86_64-dvd1.iso`) .iso image.
* Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server 7
* [Download][download-linux-redhat-server-7] the latest release of the full (e.g `RHEL-x86_64-dvd1.iso`) .iso image.
* [Download][download-linux-redhat-server-7] the latest release of the full (e.g `RHEL-7-x86_64-dvd1.iso`) .iso image.
* AlmaLinux Server 8
* [Download][download-linux-almalinux-server-8] the latest release of the full (e.g `AlmaLinux-8-x86_64-dvd1.iso`) .iso image.
* Rocky Linux Server 8
* [Download][download-linux-rocky-server-8] the latest release of the full (e.g `Rocky-x86_64-dvd1.iso`) .iso image.
* [Download][download-linux-rocky-server-8] the latest release of the full (e.g `Rocky-8-x86_64-dvd1.iso`) .iso image.
* CentOS Server 8
* [Download][download-linux-centos-server-8] the latest release of the full (e.g `CentOS-x86_64-dvd1.iso`) .iso image.
* [Download][download-linux-centos-server-8] the latest release of the full (e.g `CentOS-8-x86_64-dvd1.iso`) .iso image.
* CentOS Server 7
* [Download][download-linux-centos-server-7] the latest release of the full (e.g `CentOS-x86_64-dvd1.iso`) .iso image.
* [Download][download-linux-centos-server-7] the latest release of the full (e.g `CentOS-7-x86_64-dvd1.iso`) .iso image.

**Microsoft Windows**
* Microsoft Windows Server 2019
Expand All @@ -152,6 +167,7 @@ packer-vsphere/
* `iso-linux-ubuntu-server-18-04-lts.iso`
* `iso-linux-redhat-server-8`
* `iso-linux-redhat-server-7`
* `iso-linux-almalinux-server-8`
* `iso-linux-rocky-server-8`
* `iso-linux-centos-server-8`
* `iso-linux-centos-server-7`
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -343,7 +359,7 @@ Edit the `variables.auto.pkvars.hcl` file in each `builds/<type>/<build>` folder

Modify the configuration and scripts files, as needed, for the Linux distributions and Microsoft Windows.

**Linux Distribution Kickstart and Scripts**
### Linux Distribution Kickstart and Scripts

```
packer-vsphere/
Expand All @@ -358,7 +374,7 @@ packer-vsphere/
│ (e.g. ubuntu-server-cleanup.sh)
```

The kickstart files for each linux distribution includes a SHA-512 encrypted password for the `root` account and the name and SHA-512 encrypted password for the the build user `rainpole`. It also adds the build user to the sudoers. Update these lines as necessary.
The kickstart files for each Linux distribution includes a SHA-512 encrypted password for the `root` account and the name and SHA-512 encrypted password for the the build user `rainpole`. It also adds the build user to the sudoers. Update these lines as necessary.

You can generate a SHA-512 password using various other tools like OpenSSL, mkpasswd, etc.

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -393,9 +409,23 @@ Password: ***************
```
> **NOTE**: Update the `public_key` with the desired public key for the root user. This will be added to the `.ssh/authorized_keys` file for the `root` account.
**Example 2**:
**Example 2**: Ubuntu Server 20.04 (and later) `user-data` and `meta-data` files.

Older Ubuntu Server `ks.cfg` file.
The `user-data` and `meta-data` files are [cloud-init][cloud-init] configuration files used to build the Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS and later machine images. You must update the `user-data` file, but the contents of the `meta-data` file should remain empty.

Ubuntu Server `user-data` file.
```
identity:
hostname: ubuntu-server
username: rainpole
password: '[password hash]'
late-commands:
- echo 'rainpole ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD:ALL' > /target/etc/sudoers.d/rainpole
- curtin in-target --target=/target -- chmod 440 /etc/sudoers.d/rainpole
```

**Example 3**: Ubuntu Server 18.04 `ks.cfg` file.

```
# User Configuration
Expand All @@ -415,23 +445,7 @@ d-i preseed/late_command string \
in-target chmod 440 /etc/sudoers.d/rainpole ;
```

Newer Ubuntu Server `user-data` and `meta-data` files.

The `user-data` and `meta-data` files are [cloud-init][cloud-init] configuration files used to build the Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS and later machine images. You must update the `user-data` file, but the contents of the `meta-data` file should remain empty.

**Example**: Ubuntu Server `user-data` file.
```
identity:
hostname: ubuntu-server
username: rainpole
password: '[password hash]'
late-commands:
- echo 'rainpole ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD:ALL' > /target/etc/sudoers.d/rainpole
- curtin in-target --target=/target -- chmod 440 /etc/sudoers.d/rainpole
```

**Example 3**: Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server and CentOS Server `ks.cfg` file:
**Example 4**: Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CentOS Linux, AlmaLinux, and Rocky Linux `ks.cfg` file:

```
rootpw [password hash] --iscrypted
Expand All @@ -441,7 +455,7 @@ user --name=rainpole --groups=wheel --iscrypted --password=[password hash]
echo "rainpole ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL" >> /etc/sudoers.d/rainpole
```

**Microsoft Windows Unattended amd Scripts**
### Microsoft Windows Unattended amd Scripts

```
packer-vsphere/
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -531,14 +545,14 @@ Decoded Password: [decoded password]
**Need help customizing the configuration files further?**

* **VMware Photon OS** - Read the [Photon OS Kickstart Documentation][photon-kickstart].
* **Red Hat Enterprise Linux** (_as well as Rocky Linux and CentOS_) - Use the [Red Hat Kickstart Generator][redhat-kickstart].
* **Ubuntu Server** - Install and run system-config-kickstart on a Ubuntu desktop.

```
sudo apt-get install system-config-kickstart
ssh -X rainpole@ubuntu-desktop
sudo system-config-kickstart
```
* **Red Hat Enterprise Linux** (_as well as CentOS Linux, AlmaLinux, and Rocky Linux_) - Use the [Red Hat Kickstart Generator][redhat-kickstart].
* **Microsoft Windows** - Use the Microsoft Windows [Answer File Generator][microsoft-windows-afg] if you need to customize the provided examples further.

> **NOTE**: BIOS-based `autounattend.xml` files for Microsoft Windows included in this repository are configured to use KMS licenses, and configure Windows Remote Management and VMware Tools. UEFI-based `autounattend.xml` files are included for consumption and include the addition of the GPT disk structure requirements.
Expand All @@ -555,7 +569,7 @@ Decoded Password: [decoded password]
```
These files are copied to the guest operating systems with a Packer file provisioner; after which, the a shell provisioner adds the certificate to the Trusted Certificate Authority of the guest operating system.

>**NOTE**: If you do not with to install the certificates on the guest operating systems, comment out the portion of the shell provisioner scripts in `/scripts/` and remove the file provisioner from the `prk.hcl` file for each build. If you need to add an intermediate certificate, add the certificate to `/certificates/` and update the shell provisioner scripts in `/scripts/` with your requirements.
>**NOTE**: If you do not wish to install the certificates on the guest operating systems, comment out the portion of the shell provisioner scripts in the `scripts` directory and remove the file provisioner from the `prk.hcl` file for each build. If you need to add an intermediate certificate, add the certificate to `/certificates` and update the shell provisioner scripts in the `scripts` directory with your requirements.
2. Generate a Public Key

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -599,7 +613,7 @@ Decoded Password: [decoded password]

This file is temporarily copied to the guest operating systems of the Linux distributions with a Packer file provisioner; after which, the a shell provisioner adds the key to the `.ssh/authorized_keys` file of the `build_username` on the guest operating system.

>**IMPORTANT**: You definitely must to replace this public key.
>**IMPORTANT**: You definitely **must** to replace this public key.
>**NOTE**: This release uses the newer ECDSA versus the older RSA public key algorithm.
>
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -634,19 +648,20 @@ The menu will allow you to execute and confirm a build using Packer and the `vsp
4 - Ubuntu Server 18.04 LTS
5 - Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server 8
6 - Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server 7
7 - Rocky Linux Server 8
8 - CentOS Server 8
9 - CentOS Server 7
7 - AlmaLinux Server 8
8 - Rocky Linux Server 8
9 - CentOS Server 8
10 - CentOS Server 7
Microsoft Windows:
10 - Windows Server 2019 - All
11 - Windows Server 2019 - Standard Only
12 - Windows Server 2019 - Datacenter Only
13 - Windows Server 2016 - All
14 - Windows Server 2016 - Standard Only
15 - Windows Server 2016 - Datacenter Only
12 - Windows Server 2019 - All
12 - Windows Server 2019 - Standard Only
13 - Windows Server 2019 - Datacenter Only
14 - Windows Server 2016 - All
15 - Windows Server 2016 - Standard Only
16 - Windows Server 2016 - Datacenter Only
Other:
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -692,13 +707,14 @@ Happy building!!!
[credits-maher-alasfar-github]: https://github.com/vmwarelab/cloud-init-scripts
[credits-owen-reynolds-twitter]: https://twitter.com/OVDamn
[credits-owen-reynolds-github]: https://github.com/getvpro/Build-Packer/blob/master/Scripts/Install-VMTools.ps1

[download-git]: https://git-scm.com/downloads
[download-linux-photon-server-4]: https://packages.vmware.com/photon/4.0/
[download-linux-photon-server-3]: https://packages.vmware.com/photon/3.0/
[download-linux-ubuntu-server-20-04-lts]: https://releases.ubuntu.com/20.04.1/
[download-linux-ubuntu-server-18-04-lts]: http:https://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/releases/18.04.5/release/
[download-linux-redhat-server-8]: https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/479/
[download-linux-redhat-server-7]: https://access.redhat.com/downloads/content/69/
[download-linux-almalinux-server-8]: https://mirrors.almalinux.org/isos.html
[download-linux-rocky-server-8]: https://download.rockylinux.org/pub/rocky/8/isos/x86_64/
[download-linux-centos-server-8]: http:https://isoredirect.centos.org/centos/8/isos/x86_64/
[download-linux-centos-server-7]: http:https://isoredirect.centos.org/centos/7/isos/x86_64/
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