Overview

This guide explains how to manually configure an Oracle Linux 8 system for use as a Softdrive golden image or template.

In production environments, this process is typically automated using tools such as Packer and Kickstart. However, the steps below demonstrate the required manual configuration for compatibility with Softdrive.

Applies To

• Oracle Linux 8
• Softdrive Linux Templates
• Golden Image / Template Creation
• qemu-based virtual machines

Prerequisites

• Oracle Linux 8 Update 10 installed
• Root or sudo access
• Internet connectivity
• Ability to create local virtual machines using qemu or similar tools

Recommended ISO:

OracleLinux-R8-U10-x86_64-boot.iso

Download location:
 https://yum.oracle.com/ISOS/OracleLinux/OL8/u10/x86_64/ 

Procedure

1. Download the Oracle Linux 8 ISO

Using wget:

wget https://yum.oracle.com/ISOS/OracleLinux/OL8/u10/x86_64/OracleLinux-R8-U10-x86_64-boot.iso

2. Create a Local Virtual Machine

Create a local VM using qemu or another virtualization platform and boot from the Oracle Linux ISO.

This guide assumes the VM installation process has already been completed.

3. Configure the Initial System

Set System Timezone

timedatectl set-timezone <Desired Timezone>

Configure Networking

# Enable DHCP on primary interface
nmcli con mod eth0 ipv4.method dhcp
nmcli con up eth0

Set Hostname

hostnamectl set-hostname <Desired Host Name>

4. Configure Administrative User

# Create user with wheel group access
useradd -m -G wheel -s /bin/bash <Desired User>

# Lock root password
passwd -l root

5. Install Base Packages and Repositories

Install Base Groups

dnf groupinstall -y "Base"
dnf groupinstall -y "Workstation"
dnf groupinstall -y "Development Tools"

Install EPEL Repository

dnf install -y epel-release

Install System Utilities

dnf install -y \
qemu-guest-agent \
curl \
gcc \
kernel-devel \
kernel-headers \
make \
sudo

Install Graphics and Display Libraries

dnf install -y \
libX11 \
libXtst \
libXfixes \
mesa-libGL-devel \
fontconfig \
xorg-x11-drv-dummy \
cups \
dkms \
libva \
xorg-x11-util-macros \
xorg-x11-proto-devel

Install Development Tools

dnf install -y \
git \
autoconf \
automake \
libtool \
pkgconfig

Install Display Manager

dnf install -y \
lightdm \
lightdm-gtk

6. Configure the System

Configure QEMU Guest Agent

# Enable RPC in qemu-guest-agent
sed -i "s/\(BLACKLIST_RPC.*\)/# \1/g" /etc/sysconfig/qemu-ga

Set Graphical Boot Target

systemctl set-default graphical.target

Configure Kernel

# Set default kernel to kernel-core
sed -i "s/DEFAULTKERNEL=.*/DEFAULTKERNEL=kernel-core/g" /etc/sysconfig/kernel

Build and Install xf86-video-dummy

# Clone and build driver
git clone https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/xorg/driver/xf86-video-dummy.git /tmp/xf86-video-dummy

cd /tmp/xf86-video-dummy
git checkout xf86-video-dummy-0.4.1

./autogen.sh
./configure --prefix=/usr

make -j4
sudo make install

Disable Nouveau Driver

echo "blacklist nouveau" >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

Disable Wayland

# Disable Wayland
sed -i 's/#WaylandEnable=false/WaylandEnable=false/g' /etc/gdm/custom.conf

# Move Wayland sessions
mkdir -p /usr/share/wayland-sessions.disabled/
mv /usr/share/wayland-sessions/* /usr/share/wayland-sessions.disabled/

Disable Oracle UEK Kernel

# Disable UEK repository
dnf config-manager --disable ol8_UEKR7

# Remove UEK packages
dnf remove kernel-uek* -y

Perform System Update

dnf upgrade -y

7. Optional Firewall Configuration

# Enable firewall
systemctl enable firewalld
systemctl start firewalld

8. Configure SELinux

Softdrive templates are typically configured with SELinux in permissive mode.

Check status:

getenforce

Set permissive mode:

setenforce 0
sed -i 's/SELINUX=enforcing/SELINUX=permissive/g' /etc/selinux/config

9. Finalize the Template

1. Shut down the virtual machine
2. Convert the image to qcow format if necessary
3. Upload the image to Softdrive using the Softnet Dashboard

Expected Result

The Oracle Linux 8 virtual machine is successfully configured and ready to be used as a Softdrive-compatible golden image or template.

Troubleshooting

• Verify qemu-guest-agent is installed and running
• Ensure Wayland is disabled before creating the template
• Check SELinux mode if graphical login or streaming issues occur
• Ensure all required repositories are accessible during installation
• If issues persist, contact support@softdrive.co