How to Install and Set Up Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) – Quick Installation Guide

How to Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux on VMware: A Step-by-Step Guide

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a robust, open-source operating system renowned for its stability, security, and enterprise-level performance. Whether you’re exploring Linux for the first time or setting up a virtual test environment, installing RHEL on VMware is a practical way to get started.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire installation process of Red Hat Linux on VMware, complete with detailed steps and accompanying images. From preparing your system and downloading the required files to configuring the virtual machine and finalizing the installation, you’ll find everything you need to get up and running.

Also Read: Introduction to Linux Operating System

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a fully functional Red Hat Linux environment on VMware, ready to explore its powerful features and capabilities.

This guide will walk you through how to download and install Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Step 1: Preparing your system for VMware and Red Hat Linux installation.

To install Red Hat Enterprise Linux a new operating system, whether on a physical disk or a virtual machine, you’ll need the operating system’s disk image (ISO). This ISO file contains essential system and setup files required for a smooth installation process.

The RHEL ISO file is approximately 10GB in size, so ensure your USB drive or DVD has enough free space to accommodate it. If needed, you can use the terminal to free up space on your device.

Before downloading the latest RHEL ISO, you’ll need to create an account. Simply click “Register” on the official website and complete the form with your details. You may need to activate your account via a confirmation email. Once this process is complete, you’ll gain access to download the ISO file.

Download: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (Free, Paid subscription available)

Step 2: Setting up a virtual Machine in VMware.

We’ll assume you have VMWare downloaded and installed already. If not then download it first from the official website.

Launch VMware and navigate to File > New Virtual Machine to begin creating a new virtual environment. When configuring the settings, allocate a minimum of 3096MB (approximately 3GB) of memory to ensure optimal performance.

In my case, I’ve provided these specifications, but you can adjust them later if you need to perform more resource-intensive tasks.

• RAM: 2GB
• Number of Processor: 2
• Hard Disk: 20 GB
• Network Adaptor: NAT

For the hard disk size, you can stick with the default settings or increase the allocation for better flexibility. However, it’s important not to reduce the size below the recommended default, as it may impact the functionality of your virtual machine.

Choose a name and location for your virtual machine that suits your preferences. Next, assign an appropriate size for your virtual machine’s hard disk. Once the setup is complete, follow these steps to mount the Red Hat ISO file:

1. Locate your virtual machine in the VMware interface (e.g., “Red Hat 9 64-bit”).
2. Right-click on your virtual machine and select Properties.
3. Navigate to CD/DVD (SATA) from the hardware list.
4. Choose the option Use ISO Image File.
5. Browse to the location where you saved the Red Hat ISO file and select it.

Step 3: Installing RHEL

If you’re installing RHEL on a virtual machine, click Start to launch your newly created VM. If you’re using a bootable USB, insert the USB drive into your system and configure your BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the USB drive.

Once the system starts, you’ll see the GRUB bootloader screen. Use the arrow keys to highlight Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux System and press Enter to proceed with the installation.

If you’re planning to install RHEL on bare metal, it’s worth reconsidering. For a stable and production-ready deployment, it’s recommended to opt for a paid, officially supported version of RHEL. This ensures access to professional support, updates, and a reliable build.

The free version of RHEL, while functional, is primarily suited for experimentation and learning purposes. It may contain limitations or potential vulnerabilities, making it less ideal for critical or production environments.

For users installing RHEL on a virtual machine, simply click I want to proceed when prompted and select your preferred Language.

This will take you to the RHEL installation dashboard, where you can configure key settings such as disk partitioning, user profiles, and other essential options.

Select your Installation destination.

Create a new user and set credentials.

To complete the setup, create a strong and unique root password for the administrator account. A robust root password is essential to secure your system and prevent unauthorized access.

Once all pre-installation configurations are finalized, click Begin Installation to start installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux on your system. The process will take some time, so ensure the system remains powered on and undisturbed until the installation is complete.

Once the installation is complete, click the Reboot button to restart your machine and boot into your newly installed Red Hat Enterprise Linux system.

Upon your first login, you may be prompted to agree to the license terms. After agreeing, log in using the credentials you created during the installation process.

Command	Description
uname -a	Displays system information, including the kernel name, version, and other details about the operating system.
ls -l /	Lists all files and directories in the root (/) directory in long format. This is similar to viewing the C: drive in Windows.
/	Represents the root directory in a Linux filesystem. It is the top-level directory containing all other directories.
root user	Refers to the administrative user with full system privileges. Typically used for system maintenance tasks.
su -	Switches to the root user. This command requires the root password. When used with -, it simulates a login shell for the root user.
init 0	Shuts down the system gracefully. It halts all processes and powers down the system. Commonly used for safely turning off the system.