Tips

Tips

VMware ESX and ESXi administrative tips

• Installing VMware Data Recovery 2.0 for virtual data center backup

  Virtual data center backup is a priority for most IT shops. VMware Data Recovery 2.0 quickly backs up a vSphere 5 infrastructure at no additional cost.  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

• 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.  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 vSphere Replication breaks disaster recovery storage barriers

  VSphere Replication eliminates expensive disaster recovery storage requirements. SMBs no longer have to be jealous of enterprises’ DR plans.  Continue Reading

• CapacityIQ: Installing VMware’s capacity planning tool

  CapacityIQ adds an advanced reporting element to vCenter Server. By installing this capacity planning tool, you can capacity-plan for infrastructure expansion and control VM sprawl.  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

• Five ways to increase your server consolidation ratio

  Bosses love server consolidation, because it reduces costs. To keep your bosses smiling, find new ways to increase your consolidation ratio.  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 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

• Installing and configuring VMware ESXi

  Learn how to install and configure VMware's small footprint hypervisor, VMware ESXi, now available for free.  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

• 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

• VCenter CapacityIQ by the numbers

  Knowledge is power, and vCenter CapacityIQ provides metrics on vital infrastructure resources. Armed with this data, you can make sound logistical and workload decisions.  Continue Reading