Instead of using this predefined host configuration, we want to understand how items work. But items can't exist in an empty space—each item has to be attached to a host.
In Zabbix, a host is a logical entity that groups items. The definition of what a host is can be freely adapted to specific environments and situations. Zabbix in no way limits this choice; thus, a host can be a network switch, a physical server, a virtual machine, or a website; it can even be a host that we make up.
If a host is required to attach items to, then we must create one. Head over to Configuration | Hosts and click on the Create host button, located in the top-right corner. You will be presented with a host creation screen. This time, we won't concern ourselves with the details, so let's input only the relevant information:
- Host Name: Enter A test host.
- Groups: Select the Linux servers group. This can be done by typing Linux Servers in the empty box. As you will see, Zabbix will show you a list of existing groups that match what you typed. Another option is to click the Select button and choose the correct group from the list of groups that will show up. Note that it is also possible to select multiple groups at the same time.
Why did we have to select a group for this host? All permissions are assigned to host groups, not individual hosts. A host must belong to at least one group. We will cover permissions in more detail in Chapter 5, Managing Hosts, Users, and Permissions.
The fields that we changed for our host should look as follows:
When you are ready, click on Add at the bottom.
Pay attention to Host name—it's important that this name is exactly the same as in our example! We will see later why this is so important.