What is the first step to check if a Linux virtual machine has network connectivity issues?

To effectively diagnose network connectivity issues on a Linux virtual machine, the first step is to check that the virtual network adapter is present and enabled. The network adapter is essential for the virtual machine to communicate with other devices, whether they are on the same local network or external networks. If the adapter is not present or disabled, the virtual machine will not have any means to connect to the network, rendering further troubleshooting efforts futile.

Once you confirm the adapter's presence and ensure it is enabled, you can then proceed to other steps such as checking VMware Tools, confirming link status on the virtual switch, or pinging an outside source. Each subsequent step assumes that the virtual network adapter is functioning correctly, which is why verifying it first is crucial in the troubleshooting process.