VMWare rookie - need resources

[multiband8303]

Hey everyone, I want to learn more about deploying VMWARE, and have a lab at home - I got a hold of ESX Engine 2.0 - and would like to deploy some of my single app run based servers (windows based, server 2003) onto this machine - where are some nice websites/forums that I could use as a ref?

 

[yinan]

ESX is not a good place to start. Its hardware requirements to use all the features are kinda extreme. To get full functionality you need some sort SAN either fibre channel or iSCSI.

My personal reccomendation is to start with VMware workstation. It has the most features and it is also the easiest to use. If you need more information VMware has good forums or you can PM me.

Jim

 

[Nothinman]

Actually I'd start with VMWare Server since it's free and does just about everything that Workstation does.

 

[marulee]

What is the software version for the VMware?

 

[Nothinman]

I'm currently using VMWare Server 1.0.3 build-44356

 

[travisray2004]

Originally posted by: Nothinman
Actually I'd start with VMWare Server since it's free and does just about everything that Workstation does.

I second'd this. I run VMware Workstation on my server, and runs like a charm. But I would run vmserver for testing, if you like then you can buy vm workstation.

 

[Nothinman]

I second'd this. I run VMware Workstation on my server, and runs like a charm. But I would run vmserver for testing, if you like then you can buy vm workstation.

The only reason to buy Workstation would be if you need it's feature set over that of Server. Things like multiple monitor support, USB 2.0 support (I think Server only does 1.0), recording a VM's screen to video and multiple snapshots. But personally the only ones that are even a big tempting are multiple snapshots and USB 2.0 support and I don't care enough to shell out cash for them.

 

[erwos]

VMWare Server is the way to go. Setup is a bit of a pain on some Linux distros, but once you're past that (or running Windows?), it's a dream. There's no reason to pay money, not with your needs.

Once you've gotten that down, then it's time to start thinking about the other products.

 

[yinan]

VMware workstation also allows you to create different network segments. Useful for testing firewalls and such.

Jim

 

[Nothinman]

VMware workstation also allows you to create different network segments. Useful for testing firewalls and such.

AFAICT VMWare Server lets you create as many different vmnets as you want too.

 

[yinan]

Bridged to different NICS, correct up to 8 or 9 I believe with 1 or 2 reserved. Within a VMware team you can specify as many as you want and logically connect VM 1, 2 and 3, to that segment and connect 1 and 4 to a different segment.

 

[mxnerd]

Originally posted by: multiband8303
where are some nice websites/forums that I could use as a ref?

Why not just join VMTN Discussion Forums?

Here is the link.