Expanding your PC with VMWare

1.) What is VMWare?

a. Software that provides a completely virtualized environment for the guest operating system to run it. It completely isolates the running OS from the guest os.

2.) Why would I use VMWare?

a. VMWare gives you the flexibility to experiment with new operating systems, software, or configuration without endangering your currently configured PC. It basically lets you play without the danger of having to re-install your OS.

3.) Where do I get this VMWare software?

a. http://www.vmware.com/download/server/

b. I recommend downloading the latest 1.0.x version they have. 2.0 has now been released, but it is still very new and should only be used by those willing to suffer heartache and pain.

4.) What does it take to install VMWare?

a. The VMWare install on Windows is fairly easy, on Linux it’s a little more tricky, but still not hard.

b. For Windows, basically download the .exe file, and follow the directions on screen. You will be asked what type of networking you would like, (In 90% of the cases you will choose “bridged” networking so that your Virtual Machine will get it’s own IP address from your router.)

c. For Linux, you download a tar ball, extract it, and then run the vmware-install.pl script. NOTE: You must have the GCC compiler installed on your box before running this script or it will fail.

5.) How do I set up a virtual machine.

a. Log into your local host using VMConsole. (Should have been installed with VMServer.)

b. Click ‘New Virtual Machine’ (Wizard will start to guide you through the process.)

c. Choose ‘Typical’ for the most common devices needed.

d. Now choose the operating system you want to install. The drop down will change based on the OS you choose.

e. Once chosen, just follow the directions on screen to set up the rest, give it the size of “disk” you want. (Note: This is space on your existing hard drive, so make sure you have enough.)

f. The machine will be created and at that time you can install the software from CD, or from an .ISO file.

6.) Running your VM

a. Use the VMWare Console to start your virtual machine. Once it is running, or even as it is booting up, you can take it into full screen mode by either using the menu at the top of the VMWare Console, or by clicking inside the virtual console and then hitting Control-ALT-ENTER at the same time.

b. Simply hit Control-ALT to take it back out of full screen mode, and release your mouse.