An administrator has configured a Linux virtual machine and found that it does not have network connectivity. The administrator needs to verify that the guest operating system is configured properly. What is the first step that the administrator should take to meet this goal?

The first step an administrator should take to verify the network configuration of a Linux virtual machine is to check that the virtual network adapter is present and enabled. This is crucial because if the virtual network adapter is not configured correctly, or if it is missing entirely, the virtual machine will not be able to connect to the network.

Checking the presence and status of the virtual network adapter lays the foundation for further troubleshooting. If the adapter is not available or disabled, it can explain the lack of network connectivity without needing to investigate additional factors, such as network settings within the guest operating system or external network link statuses. Establishing that the network adapter is present and operational allows the administrator to eliminate one critical component from the troubleshooting process.

Once this has been confirmed and if connectivity issues persist, the administrator can then pursue other steps, such as checking VMware Tools or the virtual switch status, as well as testing the network connection from within the guest OS itself.