Hey Jon, I've been considering using virtual machines for a few reasons, but one is to isolate my internet browsing whore from my main PC (heh) and another is to use my gaming PC for both client work in Windows 7 and to run older games in XP Pro.
I seem to recall that you had gone to VMware a while back so I'm curious if you think it's worth the money relative to the free choices available (Microsoft's Virtual PC or Oracles Virtualbox). A new VMware Workstation is about $250.
Any tips or tricks would be appreciated too! :)
Yep, vmware is definitely worth the money.
I use vmware workstation for both my business and my web browsing etc.
I have virtual web and database servers running in vmware as well as virtual xp and win 7 machines that I use for web browsing only, which is great if your web browser virtual gets fucked up. Create one clean install and then clone it and use the clone for the web browsing etc.
The only thing that I run on a dedicated computer these days is my recording stuff, but everything else is virtual. It makes backing up complete machines really quick and easy.
I have tried the free microsoft virtual stuff, personally I don't like it or rate it at all, vmware is definitely the way to go.
If you need specific help setting up etc just PM me and I will reply. If you get stuck at all then we could always do a remote session (I use teamviewer and you would simply need to download a very small exe to your real pc from http://www.wamburg.co.uk , give me your ID and password and that will enable me to connect to your machine and guide you through it.
Cool! Thanks for the reply.
I'm busy retraining myself and many of the courses suggest VM's for testing (I'm doing the SQL Server 2012 stuff right now). :)
I run SQL 2008 R2 here. I have tested SQL 2012 but have no real need to upgrade to it as SQL 2008 R2 covers everything that my systems need. All my web applications have sql databases at the back end.
I run multiple VMs with VMware too, so I can run virtual instances of our firewalls, load balancers, etc. I like VMware and I think they've pretty much crushed the competition.
Until I can afford VMware, do either of you recommend MS Virtual PC or Virtualbox (from Oracle)? Seeing as both are free...
FWIW - It's amazing how a serious week of learning can make you feel better about yourself! I did Agile training last week (I was about to go for the PMP certification a little over a year ago until I realized pretty much everyone's doing Agile) then, over the weekend I did all the training for the three MCSA tests (SQL Server 2012 - Administration, Querying and Data Warehousing). I prefer to watch the training videos at double-speed so I don't fall asleep. :D No, they don't sound like the Chipmonks, but they do keep my interest and attention a lot better!
I can't believe how many damn new terms and acronyms they've created over the last few years! *Sheesh!* :o
I've got a bunch of other training videos to chew into and it's actually re-energizing the geek in me. :)
Ok, I've got a few hours of "introductory" training under my belt (but not much truly usable stuff yet). I'd like to find some VMware Workstation tips, tricks and/or Best Practices out there. Most stuff is naturally for the ESX/ESX1 direction.
Hey Charger, are you using the Type 1 Hypervisor (e.g., ESX/ESX1 directly on the hardware) or Type 2 (e.g., Workstation loaded in an OS running on the hardware)?
Or are you running a Type 1 in a VM created from a Type 2??? (This stuff gets wild fast.)
We run our servers on ESXi. I am by no means an expert... far better at the stuff running on top than the stuff beneath.
You could always use the free vsphere hypervisor that runs directly on the hardware
http://www.vmware.com/uk/products/vsphere-hypervisor/
I think I've got a line on VMware Workstation 10 which should be all I need.
Pressed <Pause> on my training because I've got to finish a job for a customer by the end of the month (damn work gets in the way of my learning - lol! :D ).