Haley Carroll Mon Feb 1

How to Create a Linux VM

(Because Linux is Better, That's Why)

VMs can be a total pain to download, especially if you’re using a VPN. It's probably the only downside to working from home… That and no free snacks.

Anyway, I was talking with some fellow developers, and I mentioned that I like to use Linux VMs. They were curious and suggested I share my experience with the team.

Contrary to popular belief, the Linux interface is very similar to Windows. If you’re using Ignition software, there is almost no difference since Java is cross-platform. I’ve been using Ubuntu VMs with Ignition for years.

Not only are Linux VMs simple to use, but if you do use Ignition or do custom programming, you can save a lot of time. Follow these steps and you will be laughing at your coworkers still waiting for their 120 GB VM to download.

Why should you switch to a Linux VM?


  • Linux is easy to use. Again, if you’re using Ignition, you won’t notice any difference.
  • Linux VMs are super lightweight. Say goodbye to hours spent downloading an 80-120 GB VM over your VPN or copying new data into an old VM.
  • Linux VMs fully support Ignition. If you aren’t already using Ignition by Inductive Automation, we highly recommend making the switch. Ignition is the leading software platform for SCADA, MES, HMI and other industrial applications. It features web-based universal deployment with unlimited licensing.
  • Linux VMs support SQL Server. It is important to note that SQL Server Management Studio is not supported, but there is a simple work-around we’ll cover later.
  • There are no “illegal copies of Windows”. Often when using a Windows VM, windows will think you are using an illegal version of their OS. Since Linux is open source, this is never an issue.
  • Linux is built for the developer. For applications that require high level programming beyond PLCs, Linux offers more flexibility, has a better command line, and supports nearly all programming languages, such as Python and C#.

How to create a Linux VM

All of this sounds great, but how do you actually set up your Linux VM? Thankfully, we created a downloadable guide to show you exactly that. The guide takes you through 5 basic steps:

  1. Choose and download your distribution software (Ubuntu, Debian, Mint, etc.)
  2. Create your VM using VMware Workstation
  3. Launch your VM and perform first time setup
  4. Install Ignition and Designer Launcher
  5. Install SQL Server and MSSQL-Tools

We know you’re good at what you do. Now make your life easier and download our step-by-step guide on how to set up your first Linux VM.

Download Guide

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