IR 100: Windows and Linux Machines (20 pts)

Purpose

To prepare two virtual machines for use in projects: one running Windows 10 and one running Debian 11 Linux.

Here are some ways to do that:

Local Virtual Machines

This is a good solution if you have a somewhat powerful computer, with
40 GB or more available storage space and at least 4 GB of RAM.

Install a local hypervisor such as VMware or VirtualBox and use the
instructions below to prepare your machines.

Mac M1, M2, or M3 Users

If you are using a Mac M1, M2, or M3 machine, you cannot use the process below because you have the newer ARM processor.

To prepare a Windows virtual machine, follow these instructions instead.

Here are the choices I recommend during the process:

  • Step 4: Choose Professional
  • Step 8: Choose UEFI
  • Step 9: Choose "Auto Generate Password". Accept the default of "Remember Password and store it in Mac's Keychain".
  • Step 11: Click "Customize Settings".
  • After step 13, change the hard disk size to 150 GB.
  • When first booting the machine, you need to click on the desktop and press Enter to boot from DVD.
  • At the "Activate Windows" screen, click "I don't have a product key".
  • Install "Windows 11 Pro".
  • Perform a Custom installation, not an Upgrade
  • At the "How would you like to set up this device?" screen, click "Set up for personal use"
For Linux, download a Debian ARM ISO file and install the OS from that.

Azure Cloud Machines

This is a good solution if you can't run local virtual machines. All you need is a Web browser.

Use the instructions below to prepare your machines.

Recording your Success

Once you have your machines going, find the flags below to record your success.

IR 100.1: Windows Flag (10 pts)

On your Windows machine, open a Command Prompt and execute this command:
dir c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc
The flag is covered by a green rectangle in the image below.

IR 100.2: Linux Flag (10 pts)

On your Linux machine, open an SSH window and execute this command:
lsb_release -a
The flag is covered by a green rectangle in the image below.

Posted 7-30-2021
Updated with links to instructions 9-23-2021
Changed to Debian 11 6-21-22
M1 instructions added 3-30-24