Reduce Your Virtual Machine Build Time Using Hashicorp Packer: [Part 6 - Packer Build] Feb 08, 2024

Introduction:


In part 5, we created the remaining configuration scripts that we'll use to create the Windows Server 2022 golden image.  At this point, your AutomatedSandboxFramework directory should resemble the screenshot below.

 

Here's what we'll accomplish by the end of...

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Reduce Your Virtual Machine Build Time Using Hashicorp Packer: [Part 5 - Configuration Scripts] Jan 25, 2024

Introduction:


In part 4, we created the autounattend.xml and PackerShutdown.bat files and created the source block.  

Most machine builds require additional configuration after installing the OS.  At this point, you generally wouldn't turn the server over to the application or...

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Reduce Your Virtual Machine Build Time Using Hashicorp Packer: [Part 4 - Windows Server 2022 - HCL Template] Jan 06, 2024

Introduction:


You know how annoying it is to install an OS manually.  Having to click through the initial setup, remember which drivers to install, and then apply your basic configuration to every new machine is cumbersome.  

Fortunately, both Windows and Linux operating systems...

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Reduce Your Virtual Machine Build Time Using Hashicorp Packer: [Part 3 - Environment Setup] Dec 28, 2023

Introduction:


In Part 2 of this series, we reviewed the different aspects of a Packer template file.  In this post, we'll begin creating the HCL template file for the Windows Server 2022 golden image.  Here's what you'll have by the end:

  • Install tools we'll use to create the HCL file...
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Reduce Your Virtual Machine Build Time Using Hashicorp Packer: [Part 2 - HCL template components] Dec 20, 2023

Introduction:


Part 2 covers the concepts of the build process and HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL) templates.  Builders create machines and generate images from those machines for various platforms.  Multiple builders create the golden image in the Automated Sandbox...

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Reduce Your Virtual Machine Build Time Using Hashicorp Packer: [Part 1 - Packer Overview and Install] Dec 14, 2023

Introduction:


If you're someone tasked with server provisioning, OS installations/configurations, or setting up a home virtual sandbox, this blog series is for you.  In it, you'll learn about Hashicorp Packer and how it can make your job easier.  We'll end the series with a set of...

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