Best software for training/study lab environment

Hi all,

I've used Workstation version 6 before. I thought it was great. I'm going to be launching into studying for certifications and I was thinking about buying Workstation 8. What are the major reasons why you recommend buying Workstation 8 over just going with something free like VMWare server? I do know you'd have to use a web interface for interaction.

Thanks for your advice.

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JDMurray

VMware Server is no longer supported by VMware: VMware Server, Free Virtualization Download for Virtual Server Consolidation

Here's the comparison chart for Server, Workstation, and ESXi: VMware Server Features, Free Virtual Server Consolidation

If you only want free stuff, I would go with ESXi over Server.

XeeN

Thanks, JD. I don't only want free stuff, actually. I'd prefer to use Workstation unless something else challenges the ease of having a full lab like that with a great interface and no requirement for a standalone installation (unless I ran a vm w/ esxi in that).

It looks like WGU provides me with a copy of VMware Workstation. We'll see what version that is, but I'll probably use that.

scott28tt

Don't forget about VMware Player, it's often forgotten as it didn't used to let you create VMs but it does these days.

JDMurray

Here's a recent thread on Slashdot about creating a home lab for playing with VMware. Maybe you can get some ideas from it.

Ask Slashdot: Computer Test Lab Set-Up For Home? - Slashdot

spiderjericho

There's also Virtual Box, which is free. From the limited times I played with it, it seems sufficient to play with an environment comprising of Backtrack, Linux and 30-day evaluation copies for Microsoft.

If you're willing to pay, then I'd say get VM Workstation 8 or Player.

As long as you have sufficient RAM, you can setup a private VMNET and let the hosts communicate with each other. You could setup a M$ Domain with Domain Controller, DHCP, etc, or LDAP with Red Hat, etc.

Also, I think GNS3 and IOU can be used in virtual environments.

QHalo

I use VirtualBox on my Mac and love it. But I do have a vSphere lab for most of my studying.

spiderjericho

Except he doesn't want to use a Type 1 Hypervisor.

And now that I'm going back, he says he gets a copy of VM Workstation from WGU, so he should be alright as long as he has a desktop or laptop with enough hardware. I actually upgraded to a quad-core laptop with 8 GB this spring so I could do VM and Cisco labs.

Everyone

Stick with Workstation 8 if you want a robust solution to run off a single physical machine, and still want to be able to use that machine for other things.