Virtual machines (VMs) play a crucial role in modern computing, allowing users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offers a robust infrastructure for creating and managing VMs, providing scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a virtual machine in GCP, covering the essential details for both beginners and advanced users.
Step 1: Accessing the Google Cloud Console
- Sign in to your Google Account:
- Open a web browser and navigate to Google Cloud Console.
- Sign in with your Google Account or create a new one.
- Create a New Project:
- Click on the project dropdown at the top of the console.
- Select ‘New Project’ and provide a suitable name for your project.
Step 2: Setting Up a Virtual Machine Instance
- Navigate to Compute Engine:
- On the left-hand sidebar, click on “Compute Engine” under the “Compute” section.
- Creating a New Instance:
- Click on the “Create” button to begin setting up your virtual machine.
- Instance Details:
- Provide a meaningful name for your instance.
- Choose a region and zone where you want your VM to be located.
- Machine Type:
- Select the desired machine type based on your requirements. You can choose from predefined or custom machine types.
- Boot Disk:
- Click on “Change” under Boot disk, then select an operating system image. You can choose from a variety of operating systems, including Linux distributions and Windows.
- Identity and API Access (Optional):
- You can specify service account, access scopes, and other advanced settings as needed.
- Firewall:
- Configure firewall rules to control incoming and outgoing traffic to your VM.
- Management, Security, Disks, Networking (Optional):
- Customize additional settings based on your specific requirements.
- Click ‘Create’: Once you’ve configured the settings to your satisfaction, click the “Create” button at the bottom of the page.
Step 3: Connecting to Your Virtual Machine
- Accessing the VM through SSH:
- In the Google Cloud Console, find your instance in the “VM instances” list.
- Click on the SSH button next to the instance to open a web-based SSH terminal.
- Using Third-party SSH Clients (Optional):
- If you prefer using a third-party SSH client, you can obtain the connection details by clicking on the drop-down menu next to the SSH button and selecting “Download File.”
Step 4: Managing Your Virtual Machine
- Stopping and Starting:
- In the Google Cloud Console, navigate to the “VM instances” page.
- Select the checkbox next to your VM and click on the “Start” or “Stop” button as needed.
Restarting the VM
- Click on the ‘Stop’ Button:
- Located at the top of the VM instance details page, click on the “Stop” button. This action will gracefully shut down your VM.
- Wait for the VM to Stop:
- It’s essential to allow the VM to complete its shutdown process. This ensures that all pending tasks are completed.
- Click on ‘Start’ to Resume:
- After the VM has fully stopped, click on the “Start” button to resume it. This action restarts the VM with its current configuration.
Critical Note: Avoid Using the ‘Reset’ Function
It’s important to note that while the “reset” function is available, it performs a hard reset of the VM.
DO NOT use the ‘Reset’ function. This action can lead to data loss and may require reconfiguration of your VM.
- Deleting a Virtual Machine:
- To avoid incurring charges, always remember to delete any unnecessary VMs.
- In the “VM instances” list, select your VM and click on the “Delete” button.
- Snapshot and Backup (Optional):
- You can create snapshots of your VM’s disks for backup and recovery purposes.
Conclusion
Creating a virtual machine in Google Cloud Platform is a fundamental skill for anyone looking to leverage cloud computing resources. By following this guide, you’ve learned the step-by-step process to set up and manage a VM in GCP. Remember to always monitor and manage your resources efficiently to optimize costs and performance. With this knowledge, you are well-equipped to harness the power of virtualization in the cloud.
Nilesh R. Agrawal 