I'm interested in using Xen on a server at The Planet, but I have no experience with using any virtualization software remotely. Up to this point, I've always used VmWare, and always with the machine involved within physical reach.

My question is simple. Is it possible, and relatively painless, to install and administer Xen totally from a remote location? Or is there any part of it that requires physical access to the machine?

Thanks!

The only part that *could* be somewhat complicated is if the xen kernel doesn't boot correctly, otherwise it is very easy to install everything remotely. My main experience with this has been with RHEL5 however, which is soon to be released.

This is pretty much my holdup right now on ordering a new server. I want RHEL5 or CentOS5. So I'm counting the days.

You can get an OS reload for RHEL5/CentOS5 right now. Or just order a newer, more expensive server. You know you'll need more RAM

What? Are you implying that my current RH9 system with 512 meg of ram isn't enough?!

sure it is, your talking about a single virtualized instance and not your whole machine right?

Nope, I was talking about the whole machine (and being sarcastic as hell). Now you know why I'm buying a new server.
The RH9 box has been good, but it is now starting to show its age...actually its been showing its age for at least a year now, but it took another year for me to finally admit it.

If only the RH7.x users would come to the same conclusions.