- Creating and upgrading VMware servers and VMs
- VMware performance enhancements
- Using monitoring and performance tools with VMware
- Scripting administrative tasks
- Troubleshooting VMware products
- Remote administrative options
- Backing up VMware host servers and guest OSes
- Securing a VMware environment
- VMware basics
Email Alerts
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Drawing up an effective VMware vSphere design from scratch
Planning for a VMware infrastructure can be a daunting task, especially for a beginner. VSphere design expert Scott Lowe describes what to expect.Feature
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Finessing vSphere DRS with admin input for highly efficient hosts
DRS balances virtual workloads and optimizes power use, all tailored to an admin's settings. But without a pricy vSphere edition, DRS is out of reach.Tip
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VMware host profile
VMware Host Profiles is a vCenter Server tool to design and deploy ESX/ESXi hosts.Definition
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How the VMware software defined data center works: An IaaS example
VMware's software-defined data center concept creates IaaS within a company. To see how it's different than virtualization, check out this example.Tip
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Best practices for virtualizing Exchange 2010 on vSphere
Observing best practices and watching for common oversights will go a long way when virtualizing Exchange 2010 on VMware vSphere.Tip
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vSphere hot add
VMware vSphere hot add is a feature that allows an administrator to increase the random access memory (RAM) capacity of a running virtual machine (VM) without downtime.Definition
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How to avoid costly problems during a VMware vSphere upgrade
Keep your vSphere upgrade on time, on budget and on target with these lessons learned from virtualization expert Mak King's recent upgrade.Tip
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VMware Workstation vs. Player: A guide to test-and-development choices
VMware Player is free. VMware Workstation is not. But in a comparison of VMware Workstation vs. Player, cost is only one consideration.Tutorial
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Moving VM testing from VMware vSphere ESX/ESXi to Workstation
VMware admins can't skip VM testing just because it eats up vSphere resources. Testing ESX/ESXi VMs in VMware Workstation frees up vSphere for production.Tip
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Two potential obstacles when virtualizing Exchange Server
Interested in virtualizing Exchange Server? Two roadblocks may stand in your way. Our expert explains both, as well as their causes.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Creating and upgrading VMware servers and VMs
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vNUMA (virtual NUMA)
vNUMA (virtual NUMA) is a memory-access optimization method for VMware virtual machines (VMs) that helps prevent memory-bandwidth bottlenecks.Definition
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How many VMs can vSphere vMotion move at once? And other questions
VMware vMotion live migrates VMs between hosts. Evolving with vSphere, vMotion has gained a lot of capabilities, but it still has limitations.Answer
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Adopting VMware's cloud middleware for enterprises with diverse workloads
Savvis originally developed its own cloud middleware for VMware-based clouds, but adopted vCloud Director to support evolving enterprise cloud usage.Q&A
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transparent page sharing
Transparent page sharing (TPS) is a memory management technology in virtualization.Definition
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Is VMware Capacity Planner free?
Many consultants offer VMware Capacity Planner free to interested virtualization admins, but if you dread their sales pitch, consider vBenchmark.Answer
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VMware fling
A VMware fling is an unsupported software tool created by a VMware engineer. Flings often address a specific problem or offer a utility not found in a VMware product.Definition
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VMware View best practices for every stage of VDI implementation
Whether your VDI implementation is in pilot or deployed enterprise-wide, these VMware View best practices will improve user and admin experiences.Feature
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Dos and don'ts of vSphere inventory tagging
Tagging can make vSphere inventory management easier or harder, depending on how you implement tag categories and what descriptors you choose.Answer
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VMware Capacity Planner (VCP)
VMware Capacity Planner is a tool that collects information on an IT infrastructure's resource usage and compares it to industry-average data.Definition
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VMware ESXi
VMware ESXi is an operating system-independent hypervisor based on the VMkernel operating system interfacing with agents that run atop it.Definition
- VIEW MORE ON : VMware performance enhancements
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Comparing the VMware vMA and other ESXi management tools
VMware admins know the vSphere Client well. The VMware vMA and vCLI are often overlooked for ESXi management, but add them to your arsenal.guide
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Heterogeneous virtualization shops aim to simplify management
Tools that plug in to native consoles can help VMware and Hyper-V shops tackle the challenges and complexities of multi-hypervisor management.News | 10 Apr 2013
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Is VMware Capacity Planner free?
Many consultants offer VMware Capacity Planner free to interested virtualization admins, but if you dread their sales pitch, consider vBenchmark.Answer
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VMware load balancing gets tricky with large VMs
VMware increased the maximum VM size in vSphere 5.1. With large VMs comes a greater responsibility for VMware load balancing and availability.Answer
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VMware View best practices for every stage of VDI implementation
Whether your VDI implementation is in pilot or deployed enterprise-wide, these VMware View best practices will improve user and admin experiences.Feature
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Applying cloud, VMware virtual networking concepts to your data center
VMware, EMC and virtualization experts explain VMware virtual networking concepts, the cloud mindset and storage virtualization.Feature
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VMware for small business IT infrastructures: Top 5 tips
In the past, only enterprise IT invested in VMware software. Today, VMware for small business virtualization is a growing trend.Feature
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Deploy VMware vCenter Protect for antivirus, asset inventory and more
VMware endowed vCenter Protect with antivirus patch management as well as scripting and inventory features for physical and virtual machines.Tip
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Inside a successful VMware View setup: VDI pros and cons
Don Peterson oversaw his company's VMware View setup and manages the VDI environment. Here's how he did it and what he learned in the process.Q&A
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Moving VMs between VMware Workstation 9 and vSphere, and other tips
VMware Workstation 9 includes updates to closely integrate work in the test-and-development tool with the production vSphere environment.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Using monitoring and performance tools with VMware
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Comparing the VMware vMA and other ESXi management tools
VMware admins know the vSphere Client well. The VMware vMA and vCLI are often overlooked for ESXi management, but add them to your arsenal.guide
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VMware command line options to keep in your ESXi toolbox
The vSphere Client works great for some tasks, but repetitive mass actions call for scripts. And, you have options in the VMware command line toolbox.Tip
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Workflow automation software showdown: Citrix, Microsoft and VMware
Workflow automation software is growing in popularity, but each product has its limitations. Find out how products from three major vendors stack up.Tip
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Applying cloud, VMware virtual networking concepts to your data center
VMware, EMC and virtualization experts explain VMware virtual networking concepts, the cloud mindset and storage virtualization.Feature
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Examining heterogeneous data center management methods
A heterogeneous data center often boosts ROI, but it also increases confusion. Clear the air by testing your knowledge of multi-hypervisor strategy.Quiz
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vSphere CLI (vCLI)
VMware's vSphere CLI (vCLI) commands are used in a command line interface (CLI) when managing VMware ESX/ESXi infrastructures.Definition
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VMware vCenter Protect serves up more than malware protection
VMware vCenter Protect was born of Shavlik NetChk, and offers much more than antivirus protection. Use the tool with virtual and physical machines.Tip
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VMware vSphere PowerCLI
VMware vSphere PowerCLI is a command-line interface (CLI) tool for automating vSphere and vCloud management.Definition
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VMware Orchestrator
VMware Orchestrator is a free vCenter feature that helps automate VMware vCloud Suite, vSphere and other virtualization management system processes.Definition
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VMware VMDK shrink and storage thin provisioning 101
How do you free up storage space in a virtualized IT environment? Get answers on VMware VMDK shrinks and thin provisioning of virtual machines.FAQ
- VIEW MORE ON : Scripting administrative tasks
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VMware snapshot size and other causes for slow snapshots
Snapshots offer multiple restore points for VMs, but add complication. Poor performance can stem from the VMware snapshot size and other root causes.Tip
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VMware's vCenter Certificate Automation Tool is too little, too late
VMware's vCenter Certificate Automation Tool aims to fix a perennial pain point for many admins, but one expert isn't satisfied with the new product.Opinion
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Dry advisories leave many unsatisfied with VMware security updates
A recent survey reveals that many customers expect more from VMware security updates -- something Tom Howarth has been saying for years.Q&A
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Which VMware network settings to adjust to troubleshoot VM packet loss
Even the best VMware networking setups hit snags, but you have tools. Adjusting specific VMware network settings can fix packet loss in a VM.Tip
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The all-too-common failed VMware View setup and how to avoid it
Get tips on storage, GPO, vCOps and more ways to get a VMware View setup right and avoid an all-too-familiar VDI scenario where it all goes wrong.Feature
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VMware command line options to keep in your ESXi toolbox
The vSphere Client works great for some tasks, but repetitive mass actions call for scripts. And, you have options in the VMware command line toolbox.Tip
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How to avoid costly problems during a VMware vSphere upgrade
Keep your vSphere upgrade on time, on budget and on target with these lessons learned from virtualization expert Mak King's recent upgrade.Tip
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VMware reviews: vCloud garners praise while single sign-on hears boos
Current users give the best advice when you're choosing a new virtualization tool. Check out these good and bad VMware reviews from Twitter.Feature
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How to set up a home virtualization lab for about $1,000
Choosing the right hardware and software for your home lab can be tricky, but you can use good components for relatively cheap -- or even free.Answer
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Inside a successful VMware View setup: VDI pros and cons
Don Peterson oversaw his company's VMware View setup and manages the VDI environment. Here's how he did it and what he learned in the process.Q&A
- VIEW MORE ON : Troubleshooting VMware products
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Comparing the VMware vMA and other ESXi management tools
VMware admins know the vSphere Client well. The VMware vMA and vCLI are often overlooked for ESXi management, but add them to your arsenal.guide
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VMware SSO changes your authentication infrastructure ... for good
VMware single sign on is a mandatory component of vSphere 5.1. It changes how ID authentication takes place within and beyond VMware products.Tip
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VMware quiz: Virtualization on a tight IT budget
Free and low-cost VMware virtualization options exist -- if you know where to look. See if you're making the most of your IT budget with this VMware quiz.Quiz
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Where does the vCMA fling fit in VMware's mobile strategy?
The vCMA virtual appliances is an unsupported fling, and VMware still doesn't have an official mobile admin interface for vSphere. What’s the delay?Tip
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Installing the vSphere Web Client for browser-based VMware management
Break free from the Windows ball and chain, and install the vSphere Web Client for browser-based VMware management. It’s great for admins who are constantly on the go.Tip
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VMware vSphere Web Client: Browsing the features
The vSphere Web Client includes most features found in the traditional vSphere Client with the added advantage of allowing admins to work from any location or operating system.Tip
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VMware management with vSphere Client for iPad
With the vSphere Client for iPad, you can break your desk chains and perform VMware management tasks from virtually anywhere.Tip
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VMware iPad apps: Taking virtualization to go
With the official VMware iPad apps, you can run virtual desktops and manage vSphere environments. Other iPad apps are also useful for VMware admins.Tutorial
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The top iPad applications for VMware admins
If you are serious about using an iPad in a virtual data center, these top iPad applications for VMware admins will provide the proper functionality.Guide
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Configuring the ESXi firewall in VMware vSphere 5
The ESXi 5 hypervisor has a new firewall, similar to the ESX firewall of yore. You can configure it through the vSphere Client or command line, depending on your preference.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Remote administrative options
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VMware snapshot size and other causes for slow snapshots
Snapshots offer multiple restore points for VMs, but add complication. Poor performance can stem from the VMware snapshot size and other root causes.Tip
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bubble network
A bubble network is a series of interconnected virtual machines (VMs) that communicate through a virtual network switch (vSwitch) and remain isolated from the physical network.Definition
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SRM replication choices: vSphere Replication vs. storage replication
VMware's disaster recovery manager SRM has two replication options: via the hypervisor or via storage. The choice involves scalability and cost.Tip
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VMware CTK file
A VMware CTK file contains a list of all the changes made to a VMware virtual machine (VM) since it was last backed up.Definition
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Changed Block Tracking (CBT)
VMware Changed Block Tracking is an incremental backup technology for virtual machines (VMs), comparable to snapshot differential or backup delta block.Definition
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Disaster recovery hosting in the cloud eliminates redundant data centers
Despite the benefits of disaster recovery hosting in the cloud, VMware admins will find that SRM and vCloud Director don't make cloud-based DR easy.Tip
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Comparing VMware vSphere backup software options for SMBs
SMB admins have a lot of VMware vSphere backup software options, including the free VDP appliance. Here's how VDP stacks up to third-party options.Tip
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VMware linked clones: Making the most of the snapshot feature
In this tip, VMware expert David Davis explains how the VMware linked clones feature works and how to optimize it with free add-ons.Tip
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The best VMware backup options in the cloud
Cloud-based storage and backup options for vSphere are low-cost and readily available. Check out the five best VMware backup options in the cloud.Tip
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Test yourself on vSphere 5.1 features before making the upgrade
VMware vSphere 5.1 is a minor release with some major new features. Take the quiz to see how well you know vSphere 5.1.Quiz
- VIEW MORE ON : Backing up VMware host servers and guest OSes
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Dry advisories leave many unsatisfied with VMware security updates
A recent survey reveals that many customers expect more from VMware security updates -- something Tom Howarth has been saying for years.Q&A
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VMware View best practices for every stage of VDI implementation
Whether your VDI implementation is in pilot or deployed enterprise-wide, these VMware View best practices will improve user and admin experiences.Feature
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Keeping up with virtualization and mobile technology security
As virtualization extends its reach, IT needs to focus its efforts on maintaining a resilient data center and mobile technology security.Feature
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VMware vShield
VMware vShield is a group of networking and security products for virtualized IT infrastructures, comprising vShield Manager, vShield Edge, vShield Zones, vShield App, vShield Data Security and vShield Endpoint.Definition
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Revealing the best vSphere network configurations and strategies
Proper vSphere network configuration can test your patience. Test your skills with this VMware virtual network technologies quiz.Quiz
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Applying vSphere network and vSwitch settings for a secure data center
Don't fall victim to virtual security breaches. Protect your data center with effective VMware vSphere network configurations and vSwitches.guide
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VMware View certificate tips: How to prevent VDI user confusion
Why plan ahead for a VMware View certificate installation? Because one misstep could lead to a lot of help desk tickets from nervous VDI users.Tip
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Protect VMware Workstation shared VMs with custom access settings
VMware administrators can guard multi-user VMs, often found in classrooms and kiosks, from malware or upgrades with VM access control settings.Tip
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Deploy VMware vCenter Protect for antivirus, asset inventory and more
VMware endowed vCenter Protect with antivirus patch management as well as scripting and inventory features for physical and virtual machines.Tip
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VMware Workstation encryption prevents unauthorized VM access
VMware Workstation encryption helps you protect information on VMs from unauthorized users. Learn how -- and when -- to encrypt virtual machines.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Securing a VMware environment
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How to set up a home vSphere lab using a nested hypervisor
A vSphere lab created with a nested hypervisor can be more stable with less overhead than a similar home lab on a hosted hypervisor like Workstation.Tip
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VMware's vCenter Certificate Automation Tool is too little, too late
VMware's vCenter Certificate Automation Tool aims to fix a perennial pain point for many admins, but one expert isn't satisfied with the new product.Opinion
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Moving virtual machines from VMware to Hyper-V with SCVMM and MVMC
Find out how easy it is to make the transition from VMware to Hyper-V with SCVMM or the Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter.ATE
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VMware market share is high in a small pool of virtualization
Storage expert Jon Toigo explains how VMware is the market leader, and why virtualization growth statistics seem more impactful than they truly are.Answer
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How to avoid costly problems during a VMware vSphere upgrade
Keep your vSphere upgrade on time, on budget and on target with these lessons learned from virtualization expert Mak King's recent upgrade.Tip
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FAQs you should answer before starting P2V conversions
P2V conversions can trip up even experienced IT pros. Be sure you know the answers to these frequently asked questions before starting a migration.FAQ
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VMware Workstation vs. Player: A guide to test-and-development choices
VMware Player is free. VMware Workstation is not. But in a comparison of VMware Workstation vs. Player, cost is only one consideration.Tutorial
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Pop quiz: Know your VMware ESXi commands
Think you know the most important VMware ESXi commands? Take this short quiz to find out if you're a command-line champ.Quiz
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A vCloud Director lab is within reach, even on virtual lab setups
VMware admins can't learn everything they need to know about vCloud Director by reading. It's time to build a vCloud Director lab -- here's how.Tip
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VMware template
A VMware template is a perfect, model copy of a virtual machine from which you can clone, convert or deploy more virtual machines.Definition
- VIEW MORE ON : VMware basics