VMware

phantom_cyph · 04-20-2007, 06:35 PM

Which of these do I download? I want to set up a virtual network.

Electro · 04-20-2007, 07:25 PM

VMware is used to setup virtual machines. If you want a virtual network, the kernel has it although many distributions do not provide virtual network by default. If you do not want a virtual network but you want a virtual machine instead, VMware Server should be used. ESX and Workstation versions are used for commercial means. VMware Player is used if you already have a virtual machine. VMware Player can not create virtual machines. The problem with VMware Server, it is cryptic for some people because you will have to use a command line to create virtual machines.

Cogar · 04-21-2007, 07:10 AM

VMware Server has a GUI so setting up a new virtual machine is relatively painless (at least in the version that uses Linux as the host). Setting up a virtual network (if that is what you want) is "typical" Samba stuff. VMware Server is relatively easy to use, although downloading the .pdf manuals is a good idea (you might as well download all of them). Note that you have to apply for a serial number separately. You can find everything you need here:
http://www.vmware.com/download/server/

PS: I find VirtualBox easier to use (I am actually using it now). For desktop use it seems just as fast as VMware Server. I cannot comment regarding its ease of setting up a virtual network compared to VMware Server, since that is not an area of interest to me and I have not looked in to it. It may also be important to a Linux user that VirtualBox has a less restrictive license and you can also get an open source version with a GPL license. You can check it out here:
http://www.virtualbox.org/

phantom_cyph · 04-21-2007, 09:43 PM

Are any of these graphical setups? I.e. do I have to use command line for all of them?

Cogar · 04-21-2007, 11:24 PM

They both install pretty much like other Windows and Linux programs (depending on whether you are planning to use a Windows or Linux host). Once installed on the host, both VMware Server and Virtual Box have a GUI to set up the guest machines. Incidentally, both have lengthy manuals in .pdf format that explain installation and operation of both the host and guest systems.