Running labs in VMware: so what do I need to get set up?

TheDonger

Hi all.

I wanted to run through my Microsoft labs with VMware to get a solid idea of how to actually run a server and whatnot. I have an evaluation of 2003 that came with my MS book brick, so I figured I should start with that.

I gotta admit that the VMware stuff confused me. I downloaded server 1.08 and tried to run it and I couldn't find a place to enter my serial number after configuring a virtual machine. It said to search "help" for the settings and alas I found nothing. When the CD autoplays it only says that it will install over XP. Not what I'm looking to do, obviously!

I'm basically trying to figure out where I'm going to install to and how to get started with this. Any suggestions would be super!

edit: found THIS and am following the steps. http://www.petri.co.il/virtual_install_vmware_server.htm

dynamik

I've really come to like Virtual Box for free virtualization. It's a light, easy to use package. You may want to look into that as well.

impelse

I like a lot vmware, the free edition ESXi. It is very lite and easy to install, also you can map your cd to a ISO without to have a CD installed in your computer.

https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/?p=esxi

undomiel

And I remember, dynamik, when you didn't understand me singing the praises of VirtualBox. I'd also cast my vote for giving VB a try. It's more simple and more elegant than VMware in my opinion for quick and easy virtualization on your desktop.

dynamik

impelse wrote: »

you can map your cd to a ISO without to have a CD installed in your computer.

I don't know of any virtualization package that doesn't allow you to do that.

ESXi is great, but it has some stringent hardware requirements.

Edit: Harsh I never disliked VB. It is far away from VMware in terms of features, but it is an excellent free virtualization package. If I didn't fall on my knees singing praise to it, it was simply because I had no experience with it. It is currently running my "SAN" (via Open Filer) on my HTPC.

impelse

I will give a try to Virtual Box.

ally_uk

I setup Evaluation version of server 2003 provided from Microsoft it's a 30 day try I am running it with virtual PC and it runs ok a bit sluggish though on my hardware

Netwurk

You could try closing the console on your VM server and let everything run in the background. Then access your virtual server from another windows pc via RDP. Should be much faster.