4. Initialize VMs with startup scripts

Initialize and configure virtual machines using tools like cloud-init, Ignition or Sysprep

In this section we will learn how we can initialize and configure VMs at startup. They often start with a generic disk like an ephemeral container disk. How do we customize such VMs, e.g., with adding custom login information?

Goals

Know the benefit of startup scripts
Know the available methods like cloud-init, Ignition and Sysprep
Customize your own VM

4.1. Introduction

Introduction to VM provisioning with startup scripts

4.2. Cloud-init

Use cloud-init to initialize your VM

4.3. Ignition

Use Ignition to initialize your VM

4.4. Sysprep

Use Sysprep to initialize your Windows VM