Create a custom image
In case the list of official images does not meet your specific needs, you have the option to create your own custom images.
Numspot cannot guarantee the correct operation of virtual machines (VM) created from unofficial sources.
Manual creation
This method consists of building an image locally, transferring it to a Numspot VM, and then converting it into an image via the API.
1. Installing a local VM management tool
Install a virtual machine management tool on your computer, such as VirtualBox or VMWare.
2. Creating and configuring the VM
Proceed to create and configure a local virtual machine with the operating system of your choice.
3. Exporting the VM
Once configured, export this local virtual machine in OVA (Open Virtual Appliance) format.
4. Creating a VM on Numspot
On the Numspot platform, create a new virtual machine by choosing a Linux of your choice and configuring two volumes: Create VM.
5. Connecting to the VM
Use SSH (Secure Shell) to connect to the virtual machine. (See Connect to a VM.)
6. Transferring the OVA file
From your local machine, copy the OVA file to your Numspot virtual machine. To do so, use the Linux command line scp.
Example:
scp path/to/your/file.ova numspot@ip_address:/path/to/destination
7. Extracting the OVA file
From the Numspot VM, use the Linux command line tar to extract the OVA file.
Example:
tar xvf path/to/your/file.ova
8. Converting the VMDK file
Using the Linux command line qemu-img, convert the VMDK file to RAW format.
Example:
qemu-img convert -f vmdk -O raw path/to/your/file-disk001.vmdk path/to/your/file.raw
9. Writing the converted image
Transfer the image converted to RAW to the attached volume.
Example:
sudo dd if=path/to/your/file.raw of=/dev/xvdY bs=16k status=progress
10. Creating an image via the API
Take a snapshot of the volume and turn it into an image using the Create Image API. (See Create an image.)
11. Using the image to create VM
Use this image to create Numspot virtual machines with your OS (Operating System).
This procedure applies to all operating systems for which no pre-existing image exists.
Automated creation with Packer
You can create custom images in an automated and reproducible way using Packer ↗, a machine image building tool. The Packer plugin for Numspot lets you define your image configuration in an HCL (HashiCorp Configuration Language) file and build it without manual intervention.