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What is Proxmox and how do I manage a virtual server with it?

by Sabrina Stein
Last edited on: 2023-06-30

This article answers the most important questions about Proxmox. In the tutorial you will learn how to perform important actions on your vServer with the software.

What is virtualisation?

Simply stated, virtualisation describes the process by which several independently acting virtual servers (vServers) are created on one physical server (Dedicated Server).

For example, it is possible for the virtualised servers to have different or individual operating systems and run completely independently of each other.

In addition, the users of one vServer can be prevented from obtaining information about the other vServers.


Virtualisation can be useful, for example, if you

  • want to use the resources of your hardware servers very efficiently.
  • are particularly concerned about sustainability, as not every vServer requires its own hardware.
  • as a reseller want to offer one hardware server to several customers in the form of individual vServers.

Virtualisation software is necessary for the virtualisation process mentioned above.

What is Proxmox?

Proxmox - especially Proxmox VE - is one of these virtualisation platforms. It is open source software based on Linux (Debian). This goes hand in hand with the fact that a large community continuously develops the tool further and quickly discovers and fixes possible vulnerabilities.

How does Proxmox work?

Proxmox provides the user with a (web) interface that enables the simple and clear administration of virtual servers.

Two technologies, LXC and KVM, can be used here. When virtualising with LXC, the kernel of the host system is shared with several virtual LXC containers. This enables the fast and simple provision of virtual servers with little additional load and the smallest possible memory requirements. The second option is virtualisation via KVM. Here, a complete server is "simulated". In this way, systems with their own kernel, BSD and also Windows can be provided.

What are important functions of Proxmox?

  • With Proxmox, virtual servers and containers can be configured and then controlled.
  • Important resources such as CPU, hard disk space etc. can be viewed via the very clear user interface.
  • Virtual servers, backup storage, networks and also clusters can be controlled via Proxmox.
  • The programme also allows the servers to be restarted and shut down.
  • Furthermore, backups can also be configured.

How to control a virtual server with Proxmox?

In the video tutorial you will learn

  • how you can control and manage a virtual server using Proxmox and
  • how to install ISO files for the operating system.

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