Problem solve

Scripting administrative tasks

• Configure ESXi Autostart to streamline host patching

  Enabling ESXi Autostart can save you time and effort when managing VMs. Learn how to configure Autostart VMs in VMware host settings to make patching hosts easier. Continue Reading

• Build a more effective approach to vSphere troubleshooting

  While there are several ways a vSphere administrator can save time and trouble before disaster visits the data center, there are a few measures to take while correcting an issue to keep a problem from growing into a full-blown catastrophe. Continue Reading

• Bust through vCenter Orchestrator limits by integrating PowerCLI

  Streamlining the strength of PowerCLI scripts with vCenter Orchestrator workflows gives vSphere admins increased automation capabilities. Continue Reading

• VMware PowerCLI 5.5 flexes administrative muscles

  System administrators with a penchant for automating tasks with cmdlets will enjoy the heady enhancements unveiled in VMware PowerCLI 5.5. Continue Reading

• Tame and tend your virtual infrastructure with these esxcli commands

  The esxcli command series has evolved since its unveiling in vSphere 4 to surpass the need for older command-line tools. Continue Reading

• 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.Continue Reading

• 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.Continue Reading

• How to automatically consolidate VMware snapshots in vSphere 5

  IT admins sometimes create and delete VMware snapshots for recurring tasks. Two experts suggest ways to consolidate VMware snapshots automatically.Continue Reading

• VMware vSphere Command Line Interface: Using vCLI for ESXi management

  If you’re a command-line lover, you may prefer to use the vSphere Command Line Interface instead of the vSphere Client for managing ESXi hosts.Continue Reading

• VMware Auto Deploy: ESXi installation made easy

  Installing ESXi is time consuming, but you can automate the ESXi installation and configuration process with VMware Auto Deploy in vSphere 5.Continue Reading

• ESXi console tech support mode: When the vSphere Client isn’t enough

  The ESXi console and its tech support mode can solve many issues that the vSphere Client can’t. Once enabled, you have the power of the Linux command line at your disposal.Continue Reading

• PowerCLI 5.0: New cmdlets and PowerShell snap-ins for vSphere

  PowerCLI 5.0 was just released with a host of new cmdlets and PowerShell snap-ins. This release makes scripting easier and the command-line less intimidating.Continue Reading

• Patching VMware ESXi Installable

  Patching VMware ESXi Installable has changed since the release of ESXi 4.1. Now the only way to update the free hypervisor is with the vihostupdate command-line utility.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

• VSphere Host Profiles vs. PowerCLI: The war for automation supremacy

  Both vSphere Host Profiles and PowerCLI scripts automate the host-provisioning process, but each tool has strengths and limitations.Continue Reading