DIY: Your First VMware Server

Introduction to ESXi, VMWare's free virtualization

Operating System

First of all….VMWare has changed the name

of ESXi tovSphere Hypervisor 4.1

But… It is still referred to ESXi.

What is virtualization?Virtualization is the act of running an

operating system in an artificial environment.

Virtualization products create multiple artificial “computers” on

one physical computer.

Benefits of Virtualization1. Fewer physical serversLess power demands, network connections, cooling requirements,

rack space, KVM connections

2. Greater utilization of the physical server 3. The virtual environment is easy to add

another server4. Fairly quick and easy to move a virtual

server to a different physical server5. Allows separation of servers

Disadvantages of Virtualization1. Physical failures are magnified2. New skills needed3. Virtual machine sprawl4. Not all applications can run in a virtual

environment5. More to keep patched and updated6. Other vendors using virtualization as

an excuse to not provide support

Other virtualization products include:

Microsoft Virtual PC or HyperVOracle VirtualBox or VM

VMWare Workstation or vSphereDozens more

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_platform_virtual_machines

Limitations of ESXi 4.11. One server – No failover,

vMotion, or fault Tolerance.2. Maximum 256GB Physical RAM3. No processor Limit, but limited

to 6 cores per processor4. No web GUI

http://www.vmware.com/products/vsphere/buy/small_business_editions_comparison.html

My Scenario

1. Aging hardware that was failing2. Limited budget3. Low demands, but still wanted some

flexibility4. Allowed me to repurpose hardware

What you need to get started:1. A physical computer to be the server2. Installation media

- ESXi Installable ISO (CD Image)- A free license key- vSphere Client*

3. Migration (conversion) software*4. Something to run virtually

* - Optional

Hardware Requirements

Verify hardware compatibilityhttp://www.vmware.com/resources/guides.html

• Version 4.1 requires 64-bit hardware

• 2 GB RAM Minimum

My ServerFor my situation I bought a used Dell PowerEdge 2850 •Dual (2) Intel Xeon 3.6 GHz•12 GB RAM•5 x 146GB 10k Hard drives•RAID 5•Dual NICs•DVD-ROM•Redundant power supplies

$1050

Installation Media1. Download from VMWare.COM

http://www.vmware.com/products/vsphere-hypervisor/

2. Requires e-mail activated registration3. Copy the License Number4. Use Option 2

-Download the Binary-Download VMware vSphere Client*-Optional: VMware Tools CD image for

Linux Guest OSes

Migration (conversion) softwareVMWare vCenter Converter Standalone• Creates a virtual machine• Transfers all the contents of a physical

machine to the VM• Shuts down the physical machine

1. Download from VMWare.COMhttp://downloads.vmware.com/d/info/datacenter_downloads/vmware_vcenter_converter_standalone/4_0

2. Choose “All Downloads” from Support & Downloads dropdown menu

3. Select “VMWare vCenter Converter Standalone”

Installing ESXiAssumptions :•One logical (i.e. RAID 5 array) or physical drive•You’ve determined it is alright to erase that drive

Install ESXi from CD burned from downloaded ISO

Installing ESXi – First Boot

Press <F2> to customize systemROOT password is blank.

•Configure Password•Configure Management Network

Install Client

1. Browse to IP address of ESXi server2. Download vSphere Client3. Install

vSphere Client1. Enter IP, Root, & password2. Check “Install certificate” & Ignore3. Assign a license (Maximize the window)

1. Click “Inventory” icon2. Configuration Tab3. “Licensed features” in software box4. “Edit” upper-right corner

(cannot see “Edit” if not maximized)

Vmware vCenter Converter

• Convert physical machines to virtual machines

• Convert virtual machines from other environments to Vmware

• Duplicate an existing virtual machine

Install VMware ToolsTools include:• Drivers (i.e. video driver)• Automatic grabbing and releasing of the mouse cursor• Copying and pasting between guest and host• More

1. Right-Click a running virtual machine that is at the desktop

2. From the “Guest” menu choose “Install/Upgrade VMware tools.

Gracias