How to Install Xen on OpenBSD

Xen is an open-source hypervisor that enables you to run multiple operating systems on a single host system. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to install Xen on OpenBSD.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure that you have the following:

• A running installation of OpenBSD
• A working internet connection

Step 1: Install Xen Kernel and Tools

1. Open the terminal on your OpenBSD installation.

2. Type in the following command:

$ sudo pkg_add xenocara

This command installs the Xen kernel and tools required to run Xen.

Step 2: Disable PF Firewall

Xen requires that the PF firewall is disabled. You can disable PF by running the following command:

$ sudo sh -c 'echo "pf=NO" >> /etc/rc.conf.local'

Step 3: Set the Grub Bootloader

To set Grub as the default bootloader, you need to edit the /etc/boot.conf. To do this, type in the following command:

$ sudo vi /etc/boot.conf

Add the following lines to /etc/boot.conf:

set timeout=10
menu=OpenBSD

# Xen
entry xen {
   set root=(hd0,1)
   multiboot /bsd.xen
   module /xen.gz
   module /netbsd-XEN3_DOM0
}

This entry sets the menu timeout to 10 seconds, adds a menu entry for Xen, and sets the root device to hd0,1, which is the first hard drive and the second partition.

Step 4: Reboot

Reboot your system to load the Xen kernel.

Step 5: Verify Xen Installation

After the system has rebooted, run the following command to verify the Xen installation:

$ sudo xl info

This command displays information about the Xen version, the host, and the running virtual machines.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed Xen on OpenBSD. You can now start running virtual machines on your system.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!