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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
Get started
Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
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. Continue Reading
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. Continue Reading
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. Continue Reading
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VMware vCAT (VMware vCloud Architecture Toolkit)
VMware vCAT (VMware vCloud Architecture Toolkit) is a free downloadable set of documents that VMware provides to administrators implementing and managing VMware vCloud cloud infrastructures. Continue Reading
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. Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
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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.Continue Reading
VMware vApp
A VMware vApp is a collection of virtual machines (VMs) and sometimes other vApps that host a multi-tier application, its policies and service levels.Continue Reading
Install vSphere from USB keys without a quality crisis
Mixing USB drives and a VMware virtualized infrastructure is a terrible idea... but everybody does it. Here's how to install vSphere from USB keys.Continue Reading
VMware VMCI (VMware Virtual Machine Communication Interface)
VMware VMCI (Virtual Machine Communication Interface) is a high-speed interface that virtual machines (VMs) on the same host use to communicate with each other and the host kernel modules.Continue Reading
vSphere CLI (vCLI)
VMware's vSphere CLI (vCLI) commands are used in a command line interface (CLI) when managing VMware ESX/ESXi infrastructures.Continue Reading
VMware snapshot
A VMware snapshot is a copy of the virtual machine's disk file (VMDK) at a given point in time.Continue Reading
Disk cleanup and IT chargeback tools on VMware admins' holiday wish lists
If you could implement one tool or process for your IT shop, what would it be? This wish list exercise could help you plan budget priorities in 2013.Continue Reading
Test your identity authentication and VMware virtual network chops
Do you have what it takes to protect your VMware virtual network using identity authentication techniques? Quiz yourself and find out.Continue Reading
VMware vSphere PowerCLI
VMware vSphere PowerCLI is a command-line interface (CLI) tool for automating vSphere and vCloud management.Continue Reading
Expect more SMB virtualization and hypervisor choices in 2013
In 2013, VMware shops will upgrade to vSphere 5.1 and vCloud suite, but Windows shops going virtual will have options. Plus, SMBs will virtualize.Continue Reading
VMware terminology quiz: Do you speak virtualization?
Thought you left vocab quizzes back in the classroom? See if you've grasped the VMware and virtualization lingo by taking our definitions quiz.Continue Reading
VMware vLockstep
VMware vLockstep is the technology supporting VMware's Fault Tolerance (FT) high-availability software feature.Continue Reading
VMware resource pool
A VMware resource pool is the aggregated physical compute hardware -- CPU and memory, as well as other components -- allocated to virtual machines (VMs) in a VMware virtual infrastructure.Continue Reading
VMkernel
VMkernel is a POSIX-like operating system developed by VMware. The VMkernel is the liaison between virtual machines (VMs) and the physical hardware that supports them.Continue Reading
VMware Orchestrator
VMware Orchestrator is a free vCenter feature that helps automate VMware vCloud Suite, vSphere and other virtualization management system processes.Continue Reading
Are you a VMware FT and HA master? Take the quiz to find out
Many VMware shops need high availability or fault-tolerant virtualization. Do you know enough about VMware HA and FT to protect your infrastructure?Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
What is the free VMware OVFTOOL and how can it help you?
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.Continue Reading
Expert recommendations for best VMware books
If you're looking for some recommended reading , our experts have their top choices for the best VMware books.Continue Reading
ESXi security: How much do you know?
Fancy yourself ESXi security savvy? Test your knowledge by taking this quiz.Continue Reading
When you need, and don't need, vCenter Server
Some organizations don't need the advanced features offered by vCenter Server and can effectively manage their infrastructure with the free vSphere Client. Can yours?Continue Reading
Pop quiz: VMware snapshots 101
VMware snapshots play an important part in backing up many virtual infrastructures, but how well do you understand how they work? Take this quiz to find out.Continue Reading
Summer reading assignment: Our best VMware performance tips
With the heat of summer on the way, it’s tempting to pack it in, but this summer take the initiative and read these tips to help your organization improve its VMware performance.Continue Reading
More than just flings: VMware Labs site adds educational material
A new publications and academic learning section are the newest updates to the VMware Labs website. Flings fans won’t be disappointed with some of the recent additions either.Continue Reading
Replacing self-signed SSL certificates to improve ESXi security
VMware’s default, self-signed SSL certificates ensure data encryption. By importing certificates from trusted, third-parties, however, you can improve ESXi security even further.Continue Reading
open virtualization format (OVF)
Open Virtualization Format (OVF) is an open-source standard for packaging and distributing software and applications for virtual machines (VM).Continue Reading
VMware Server
VMware Server is a virtualization solution that makes it possible to partition a single physical server into multiple virtual machines... (Continued)Continue Reading
VMware Lab Manager
VMware Lab Manager is a software development and testing tool that enables designers and engineers to pool network and storage resources ... (Continued)Continue Reading
An inside look at the vCenter Operations Management Suite
VMware’s new vCenter Operations Management Suite bundles several infrastructure products that administrators can use together to improve insight into their environments.Continue Reading
VMware vCenter Converter: V2V and P2V migrations made easy
VMware vCenter Converter Standalone is a free tool that shops can use to import VMs from other virtualization platforms into vSphere or perform a hassle-free P2V migration.Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
Top five VMware network performance tips
Tweaking a few, simple configuration settings can improve VMware network performance and ensure that VMs receive their fair share of bandwidth.Continue Reading
Configuring VMware ESXi syslog settings for centralized logging
Adjusting a few VMware ESXi syslog preferences can enable centralized logging on a remote host, which reduces the chance of losing important log data after a disaster.Continue Reading
raw device mapping (RDM)
Raw device mapping (RDM) is an option in the VMware server virtualization environment that enables a storage LUN to be directly connected to a virtual machine from the SAN.Continue Reading
vStorage APIs for Storage Awareness (VASA)
vStorage APIs for Storage Awareness (VASA) is a set of application program interfaces (APIs), released with VMware’s vSphere 5, that enables vSphere vCenter to recognize the capabilities of storage arrays that support the API.Continue Reading
Profile-Driven Storage
Profile-Driven Storage is a feature in vSphere 5 that lets users to intelligently provision applications, mapping VMs to storage levels according to service levels, availability, performance needs or cost.Continue Reading
VMware disaster recovery options: Beyond Site Recovery Manager
VMware offers its own disaster recovery tools, but there are a number of viable third-party products you can use for VMware disaster recovery.Continue Reading
corporate VM (corporate virtual machine)
A corporate VM (corporate virtual machine) is a virtual computing environment (VM) that is allocated to an end user for business use.Continue Reading
VMware licensing FAQ: Navigating View, vCenter and vSphere 5 licensing
VMware has so many licenses for its many products, it can get confusing. We break down vCenter, VMware View and vSphere 5 licensing in this FAQ.Continue Reading
VMware disaster recovery strategy for small environments
Developing a VMware disaster recovery strategy for a small environment means understanding your backup needs. It also changes things if you have more than one site.Continue Reading
vSphere Replication
VSphere Replication is a feature of vSphere 5.0 and Site Recovery Manager (SRM) 5.0 that automates the failover of virtual servers to a recovery site.Continue Reading
Using VMware Boomerang as a mini vSphere Client
Boomerang, a VMware fling, is a pared down vSphere Client for basic VM tasks. It’s a neat utility, but it could use a few improvements.Continue Reading
Storage Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS)
VMware DRS (Distributed Resource Scheduler) is a load balancing utility that assigns and moves computing workloads to available hardware resources in a virtualized environment. Continue Reading
vStorage API for Multipathing (VAMP)
vStorage API for Multipathing (VAMP) is a set of application program interfaces (APIs) from VMware that help to control I/O path selection in a host to storage devices. Continue Reading
vStorage APIs for Array Integration (VAAI)
vStorage API for Array Integration (VAAI) is an application program interface (API) framework from VMware that enables certain storage tasks, such as thin provisioning, to be offloaded from the VMware server virtualization hardware to the storage ...Continue Reading
Octopus
Octopus is the production codename for a VMware file sharing application for the enterprise.Continue Reading
personal VM (personal virtual machine or PVM)
A personal VM (personal virtual machine) is a virtual computing environment that is allocated to an end user for personal use.Continue Reading
vStorage API
A vStorage API is an application program interface (API) from VMware that enables third-party storage and backup vendors to integrate their products with VMware’s vSphere server virtualization platform.Continue Reading
VMware ESXi security: Protecting VMs, VMkernel and the network
With these VMware ESXi security techniques, you can keep your virtual machines, the network and the VMkernel safe from harm.Continue Reading
VMware snapshots explained
VMware snapshots are a lifesaver. If things go wrong, VMware snapshots can restore a VM back to normal. But if they’re managed poorly, virtualization performance may suffer.Continue Reading
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye … to Eric Siebert
Eric Siebert is leaving SearchVMware.com, after writing countless tips and columns. In his final article, Siebert recounts his favorite assignments and experiences as a writer.Continue Reading
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.Continue Reading
Virtualizing tier-one applications: How to turn cynics into believers
Tier-one applications are the lifeblood of businesses, so application owners are protective. But with a little coaxing, you can make the doubters into virtualization believers.Continue Reading
VMware vSphere beginner's guide
Starting out with VMware vSphere can be a daunting task. You don’t want to miss any of its many features, and VMware vSphere 5 has added to that portfolio.Continue Reading
Five big changes in VMware vSphere 5 to consider before updating
VMware vSphere 5 will alter the way users architect and manage a virtual infrastructure. But if you understand its new features, you’ll ensure a smooth transition to vSphere 5.Continue Reading
Installing VMware Tools: Believe the hype
Installing VMware Tools adds an eclectic mix of management and performance capabilities to a VMware infrastructure. There are only a few downsides, and it’s free.Continue Reading
Playing god with VMware host resources
The first commandment of allocating VMware host resources: Thou shall not accept ESXi’s default CPU and memory assignments.Continue Reading
VMware Site Recovery Manager: How much do you know?
This VMware Site Recovery Manager quiz will either humble you or boost your ego. Test your knowledge of VMware’s disaster recovery product.Continue Reading
Top five lessons learned from a virtualization veteran
Everyone knows the basic pros and cons of virtualization, but lessons about 100% virtualization and virtual infrastructure design are learned only through experience.Continue Reading
VMware troubleshooting done right
VMware troubleshooting can seem like an impossible task, even after calling VMware for support. But there are ways to make the VMware troubleshooting process quicker and easier.Continue Reading
VMware backup tools and strategies for small businesses
Virtualization has trickled down to small businesses, presenting IT pros with new challenges. Choosing the proper VMware backup tools and strategies is one such obstacle.Continue Reading
Virtual machine migration: The old-fashioned way
These days virtual machine migration is a given, unless you run the free version of ESXi. If a host requires maintenance, you’ll need to manually migrate VMs off it.Continue Reading
VMware storage options and Storage vMotion: A guide
VMware storage options include VMFS, thin provisioning, NFS and block-level storage. Virtualization storage features such as VMware Storage vMotion also help protect VM data.Continue Reading
VMware vSphere PowerCLI FAQ
With a cmdlet here and script there, you can easily manage VMs through the VMware vSphere PowerCLI. With ESXi on the horizon, it’s a good time to start learning about this tool.Continue Reading
Five ways to maximize VMware hypervisor security
VMware hypervisor security doesn’t have to be complicated. Relatively simple management decisions can shore up VMware hypervisor security and prevent malicious threats and other dangers.Continue Reading
Attaching NFS storage to a VMware ESXi host
NFS storage provides a cheap and effective way to centrally store disk images in VMware ESXi. It takes only a few clicks to attach NFS storage to an ESXi host.Continue Reading
Using VMware DRS and DPM to improve resource allocation
VMware DRS and DPM enlist vMotion to move VMs among physical servers for automatic resource allocation and load balancing. And VMware DPM can help save on data center energy costs.Continue Reading
VMware Workstation FAQ
Run multiple OSes and create test labs right on your desktop with VMware Workstation. If you want a VMware Workstation upgrade, VMware Workstation 9 is the latest version.Continue Reading
VMware products 101: Super definitions
Keeping track of VMware products and features isn’t easy, but this guide explains some of the company’s server virtualization, desktop virtualization and cloud computing offerings.Continue Reading
VMware vMotion: A complete guide
With VMware vMotion, you can migrate VMs between physical hosts without downtime. VMware vMotion helps you address maintenance needs, load balancing and resource allocation.Continue Reading
VMware networking strategies and architecture: An FAQ guide
Keeping control of VMware networking architecture can be a pain. But implementing sound VMware networking strategies can reduce data center frustrations.Continue Reading
VMware ThinApp explained
Application virtualization with VMware ThinApp can offer many advantages, especially around flexibility and security. But VMware ThinApp isn't a good fit for all applications.Continue Reading
VMware View 4.5: A complete guide
VMware View 4.5, the new VMware desktop virtualization product, has new capabilities and a couple of hitches. Get a full rundown and learn how to install VMware View 4.5.Continue Reading
VMware management and performance monitoring guide
There are lots of VMware management tools out there. This guide highlights the most important ones for VMware monitoring and offers best practices for improving VMware performance.Continue Reading
VMware backup FAQ
VMware Consolidated Backup is out, but VDR and other third-party backup apps are in. Which VMware VM backup tools can best prevent data loss in your environment?Continue Reading
How PCI DSS 2.0 affects virtualization compliance
The new Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard has been released, and it offers a more guidance on virtualization compliance. But PCI DSS 2.0 still leaves a lot of room for interpretation.Continue Reading
VMware High Availability and Fault Tolerance FAQ
VMware High Availability and Fault Tolerance limit downtime, which is a major benefit for virtualized infrastructure. But VMware HA and FT aren't turnkey features. This FAQ explains each technology.Continue Reading
FAQ: Building a VMware home lab
A VMware lab gives you great hands-on experience with virtualization. You can use VMware Workstation to run ESX or ESXi as a VM in a home lab without a dedicated host.Continue Reading
VMware resource pool management guide
Poor virtualization performance affects all business operations. Therefore, strict VMware resource pool management is essential for efficient, well-run companies.Continue Reading
VMware scripts and commands: A management guide
New to VMware scripts and commands? These command line resources will help you overcome VMware management hurdles.Continue Reading
Using VMware ThinApp to virtualize applications
VMware ThinApp can simplify desktop application management. So what is application virtualization, and does VMware ThinApp create more lightweight, manageable applications?Continue Reading
Change management considerations for a VMware View deployment
VMware View implementation can bring your organization clear benefits but can also create tension and territorial infighting among server and desktop IT teams.Continue Reading
What is VMware vSphere 4?
VMware vSphere 4 is the backbone of VMware's server infrastructure suite. Read about vSphere's technologies, pricing and roadmap.Continue Reading
Hardware choices for VMware home labs
Selecting hardware for your VMware vSphere home lab requires planning. This article helps you determine what's right for you.Continue Reading
VMworld 2009 recap
VMworld 2009 was as busy as ever -- if you'd like to refresh your memory, or get a sense of what attending VMworld is like, check out our expert's recap.Continue Reading
VMware users resist the switch to ESXi
There are several reasons VMware ESXi won't find ESX administrators in its welcoming committee -- read this article to find out why.Continue Reading
Putting the VMware home lab infrastructure peices together
If you decide to build a VMware home lab, you'll want to spend time choosing the right components if you want the lab to run advanced VMware technologies.Continue Reading
The cost of building a VMware home lab
Building a VMware vSphere home lab won't be cheap, but you can make your dollars stretch if you already have some components and choose your infrastructure peices wisely.Continue Reading
VMware's 2009 report card
While VMware was leading the virtualization pack, its software still left room for improvement. See what our expert said.Continue Reading