Configuring VMware ESX Server 2.5

Chapter 1 Introduction to VMware Terms and Concepts – this chapter will introduce key terms and concepts for those new to VMware. The chapter is a VMware primer and provides the foundation on which the remaining chapters build. Chapter 2 Loading VMware ESX Server 2.1.2 – this chapter steps through both the default and custom build using the graphical mode and the test mode. It will include some best practice tips and gotchas. Chapter 3 Configuring a Virtual Machine and Gold Builds – this chapter will walk through the build of a virtual machine and the concepts of a golden master and clones Chapter 4 Advanced Configurations including Clustering – this chapter will discuss some very interesting advanced configurations for production virtual machines as well as discuss some terms and concepts that will be used to transition into the next chapter. Chapter 5 Physical to Virtual Migrations – Thanks Bart and Ron – this chapter will discuss the concepts of a physical to virtual migration of a server. It will also examine the number of methods which can be used for the migration and their pro’s and cons. Chapter 6 – Server Consolidation – this chapter will detail the requirements of building a server consolidation model for small, medium and large environments. Sample document templates will be included Chapter 7 Cool Tools for a Virtual Infrastructure – this chapter will include a list of very interesting tools that are needed to effectively and efficiently administer and manage a virtual infrastructure. Chapter 8 Administering a Virtual Infrastructure – This chapter will introduce VMware’s Virtual Center and discuss its capabilities and how it can help produce a 100% uptime environment. Chapter 9 Gotchas/Common Problems and their Solutions – this chapter will discuss the common problems, gotchas, and their solutions and work around. It will also detail some best practices and considerations prior to deployment of a virtual infrastructure. Chapter 10 VMware under the Covers – this chapter will go into the VMkernal, VM processes, reporting and troubleshooting. It will touch on some of the nuts and bolts of ESX server and introduce vmware-cmd and vmkfstools. Chapter 11 Virtual Evolution and the Road Ahead – this chapter will discuss what the virtual evolution holds in store for system administrators and IT managers and looks at new VMware products and how they might fit into a virtual infrastructure. Chapter 12 Backups made simple…Scripts and all – This chapter discusses the ease of which VMware allows for full backups and simple restores. It will also include sample scripts and how they might be implemented. Expanded use of vmware-cmd and vmkfstools will be detailed as well. Chapter 13 A Peak at the Future…It’s Totally Cool – This chapter will look at third-party vendor management tools that work within a virtual infrastructure Chapter 14 Microsoft’s Virtual Server 2005….Connectix on ‘roids – This chapter will examine Microsoft’s Virtual Server 2005 and provide a the pros and cons as well as possible solutions