Tips

Tips

VMware performance enhancements

• NSX Intelligence evolves network security and load balancing

  NSX Intelligence can bolster your zero-trust network security, provide microsegmentation analytics and balance loads in your network. Learn more about this new VMware product.  Continue Reading

• With Packer, VM template creation is easy

  Templates are the quickest, easiest way to deploy VMs in vSphere. You can use a free tool such as Packer and a builder such as vmware-iso to automate the creation of VM templates.  Continue Reading

• How to install ESXi on a USB drive and why you should

  With just a USB flash drive and an ISO image, you can install VMware ESXi. Learn how this can save you time and money, as well as two methods for installation.  Continue Reading

• Run ESXi on NUC for a quiet but powerful at-home test lab

  You can use Intel's NUC to set up a small but mighty at-home VMware test lab. Decide whether to nest your environments, and then learn how an NUC could benefit you.  Continue Reading

• Use flash with vSAN, ESXi virtual flash caching and VMFS data stores

  ESXi can use flash storage in a variety of ways. Ultimately, however, the degree to which ESXi supports flash storage varies depending on the hypervisor version.  Continue Reading

• Understand the basics of VMware container technology

  In response to the popularity of container technology in enterprise infrastructure, VMware has developed its own support services and management tools to run Docker containers.  Continue Reading

• PKS complements VMware's cloud-native application portfolio

  Pivotal Container Service takes a DevOps-oriented approach to containers and improves VMware's cloud-native application strategy by adding Kubernetes support to vSphere.  Continue Reading

• Chart the future of VMware containers: VIC and Pivotal

  VMware has dropped Photon in favor of VIC and a new partnership with Pivotal. Learn the differences between these platforms and what future they might signal for VMware containers.  Continue Reading

• Roadblocks highlight common VMware VIC and Docker container issues

  VMware vSphere Integrated Containers has many positive selling points, but running a microservices demonstration with Docker containers isn't one of them.  Continue Reading

• Deploy a virtual container host with vSphere Integrated Containers

  VMware vSphere Integrated Containers uses virtual container hosts and Docker commands to deploy, test and run virtual containers in a vSphere environment.  Continue Reading

• New VMware VIC components set to challenge Docker containers

  VMware has introduced two new components, Harbor for container images and Admiral for managing containers, to vSphere Integrated Containers.  Continue Reading

• VMware brings Linux VDI out of obscurity with Horizon for Linux

  VMware takes advantage of Sun Microsystems' loss by bringing the once-niche Linux VDI out of the shadows and into the sun with Horizon 7 for Linux.  Continue Reading

• VMware Integrated OpenStack 3.0 could sway admins on the fence

  While scalability and performance have been improved in VIO 3.0, many of the new features are geared for the administrator and the end user.  Continue Reading

• Boost VDI network connectivity with VMware Horizon View 7

  VMware's Horizon View 7 introduces network connectivity to local view desktops, enhancing security and allowing virtual desktops to consume local resources, among other improvements.  Continue Reading

• VMware VSAN 6.2 emerges as a leader in the SDS, hyper-converged markets

  As VMware Virtual SAN moves to the forefront of the software-defined storage and hyper-converged markets, users are advised to weigh its pros and cons before implementation.  Continue Reading

• Changes and new features come with VSAN 6.2 and vRealize Suite 7

  There are now three editions of licenses in VSAN 6.2 while the latest vRealize Suite has rearranged its licensing model.  Continue Reading

• Configuring VMware vRealize's appliance settings

  Once vRealize has been deployed, there are certain settings you should take advantage of, including setting up tenants and adding business groups.  Continue Reading

• Tips on how to run Linux in a virtual machine

  Here are some tips and tweaks on how to get the most out of running Linux virtualized in a VMware environment.  Continue Reading

• Breaking down the basics of VMware vRealize

  VMware vRealize gives admins the ability to fully automate deployments, approvals and manage machine lifecycle management with one interface.  Continue Reading

• Using VMWare vMSC with legacy applications for a more flexible data center

  The need for higher availability with legacy applications makes for a significant design challenge when using the vSphere Metro Storage Cluster feature.  Continue Reading

• Mixing PowerShell and VMware for potent possibilities

  VMware provides its own tools for monitoring and other tasks, but what if you could automate those tasks to save yourself time?  Continue Reading

• Horizon View Direct-Connection Plugin streamlines configuration

  The Direct-Connection Plugin lets Horizon View users connect to a virtual desktop without connecting to a Connection Server first.  Continue Reading

• Right some wrongs with that Windows 2003 VM

  Microsoft will end support for Windows Server 2003 on July 15. Moving a physical to a virtual server provides the opportunity to improve performance.  Continue Reading

• Modern VMware administration gets makeover

  The evolution of IT as a service has resulted in the development of products that help ease the growing demands on the busy systems administrator.  Continue Reading

• Using SSD cache can extend storage array lifespan

  Administrators in a vSphere environment can improve workload performance using SSDs, but knowing your workload needs can prevent spending more than you should.  Continue Reading

• How are SSD garbage collection, wear leveling and TRIM different?

  While using solid-state drives in a vSphere environment can give a boost to VMs that require high performance, it's important to know how certain longevity features function in the storage hardware.  Continue Reading

• How to fix a vSphere vCenter server outage

  When best practices aren't followed, it means there is typically more work involved to get a balky vCenter Server functioning properly.  Continue Reading

• Tune up the vSphere Web Client for better performance

  Many IT administrators prefer the vSphere desktop client, but VMware is slowly phasing it out in favor of the vSphere Web Client.  Continue Reading

• Proper resource pool practices can keep high-priority VMs afloat

  Without correct implementation and persistent monitoring, a resource pool can cause more problems than it solves.  Continue Reading

• Mind the NUMA node when adding large VMs

  When top performance is necessary, virtualization administrators need to know how their server hardware matches up with the virtual machine sizes.  Continue Reading

• One way to rev up critical VM performance? Make a priority list

  All virtual machines are equal, but some are more equal than others. Here's how to make sure critical virtual machines get the attention they crave.  Continue Reading

• Prevent vSphere High Availability woes through a proper configuration

  Until vSphere High Availability settings have been tuned to your environment, virtual machines may not restart after a failure.  Continue Reading

• Top techniques to improve vSphere performance

  Looking to boost your vSphere performance? These battle-tested tips will help keep your virtual infrastructure humming along.  Continue Reading

• VMware for small business owners: The wrong kit could cost you

  VMware virtualization is typically associated with enterprise IT. But, with the right kit, it's good for small business virtualization projects, too.  Continue Reading

• VSphere 5.1 licensing changes offer SMBs enterprise-class computing

  VMware's new tiers for vSphere 5.1 licensing give SMBs access to enterprise-class virtualization capabilities such as data protection and vMotion.  Continue Reading

• Top five tips to improve VMware server capacity planning

  Server capacity planning is an important part of every environment, and VMware shops have some specialized tools to help them make the most of their hardware resources.  Continue Reading

• VMware SSD updates: Making a solid case for local ESXi storage

  Solid-state storage is beginning to make a splash in data centers, and there are a handful of VMware SSD use cases for that can improve ESXi host performance.  Continue Reading

• Designing a virtual environment with VMware Capacity Planner

  Using VMware Capacity Planner to inventory data center resources and project hardware needs, IT pros can save time and money when planning a virtual environment.  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

• Building a VMware test lab: How to obtain and interpret performance metrics

  In a VMware test lab, you have to pay attention to VM density, resource usage and more. Learn how to glean the right VMware performance metrics.  Continue Reading

• Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop on VMware vSphere: Peaceful coexistence

  One way to try desktop virtualization is by running Citrix XenDesktop on VMware vSphere. Explore XenApp on VMware, too.  Continue Reading

• Setting up VMware user accounts for Active Directory integration

  You can connect Active Directory users to an ESXi host using existing VMware user accounts. Active Directory integration makes host management simpler.  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

• Face-off: Is VMware Tools worth the virtual security risks?

  VMware Tools are considered a best practice but they create virtual security risks. In this face-off, two experts debate whether the benefits outweigh the security concerns.  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

• 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

• Deleting virtual machine snapshots without wasting disk space

  You can avoid wasting disk space and performance problems when deleting, or committing, virtual machine snapshots.  Continue Reading

• Free shared-storage options for VMware ESXi

  While shared storage isn’t a requirement, it’s a best practice for VMware ESXi infrastructures of all sizes. For cost-conscious IT shops, consider free shared-storage options.  Continue Reading

• Filling VMware vCenter Server management voids

  VMware vCenter Server management is second nature for most administrators, but the product isn’t perfect. Luckily, several available tools can fix vCenter Server’s shortcomings.  Continue Reading

• Creating a VMkernel connection to optimize ESXi storage traffic

  By configuring a VMkernel connection, you can place ESXi storage traffic and user-related traffic on separate networks, and congestion problems will be a thing of the past.  Continue Reading

• Citrix XenDesktop on VMware vSphere: Important considerations

  Deploying Citrix XenDesktop on VMware vSphere is a common practice. It’s not necessarily more difficult to configure than a single-vendor setup, but expect to encounter some hurdles.  Continue Reading

• VSphere Enterprise Plus: Persuading your boss to upgrade your VMware licenses

  VSphere Enterprise Plus is the VMware licensing tier with all the bells and whistles. This sample letter may convince your boss to move on up like the Jeffersons.  Continue Reading

• Thin provisioning myth-busters: The benefits of thin virtual disks

  Thin provisioning gets a bad rap, often undeservedly so. Thin virtual disks can offer many benefits over other storage types. Here’s how to get the most out of them.  Continue Reading

• Zeroing in on vShield Endpoint and Edge features

  VShield Endpoint and vShield Edge protect against different types of virtualization threats. Find out how both vShield products fit into VMware’s revamped security suite.  Continue Reading

• VMware administration and management: Five quick tips

  VMware administration and management can be a burden, and unforeseen issues can arise. But if you master these VMware administration tips, you'll minimize the uncertainty.  Continue Reading

• Tackling esxtop for VMware performance management prowess

  Because esxtop is run in a shell session, it can be intimidating. But learning to use this performance tool and the various esxtop commands can provide valuable feedback as to how your CPUs are handling their workloads.  Continue Reading

• VMware vSphere's built-in performance monitoring tools

  VMware vSphere features several free performance monitoring tools that can help assess the health of your virtual machines and fix resource bottlenecks.  Continue Reading

• Loading ESXi Installable on a USB drive: The requirements

  Loading ESXi Installable on a USB drive has many advantages. But before you proceed, learn the pros and cons of the process and your system requirements.  Continue Reading

• Configuring VMware vCenter Server Linked Mode: A walkthrough

  VMware vCenter Server's new Linked Mode capability allows administrators to manage complex vSphere virtual environments.  Continue Reading

• VMware vSphere hot-add RAM and hot-plug CPU: Not so 'hot,' but still cool

  In theory, hot-add RAM and hot-plug CPU should allow you to easily add RAM and CPU as necessary while your virtual machine is running ("hot") to meet your workloads' needs. Not so, but the two are still useful add-ons.  Continue Reading

• Reclaiming unused VMDK space with storage thin provisioning

  With a few tweaks to your thin provisioning process, you can free up previously allotted but unused VMDK storage space for other applications.  Continue Reading

• Determining the right size for your VMware VMFS data stores

  Sizing your VMware virtual machine file system (VMFS) data stores correctly can prevent I/O-related performance issues.  Continue Reading

• Using the esxtop tool to identify VMware ESX memory use

  Use the esxtop tool to measure which VMware ESX processes and virtual machines use memory and you can identify where to free up disk space.  Continue Reading

• Why you should delete outdated vCenter Server data

  With SQL commands, you can delete superfluous vCenter Server database information and save disk space and boost system performance. But you need to monitor database table size.  Continue Reading

• The top 10 free VMware tools of 2008

  If the economic downturn has prompted your shop to cut its IT budget, you to search for lower-cost virtualization management tools, this guide features the top 10 free virtualization management tools of 2008.  Continue Reading

• Manipulating VMware log file space via log file rotation settings

  VMware ESX and vCenter log files are crucial for troubleshooting and need to be readily available, but log files can be space hogs. You can tweak log rotation settings to prevent log files from taking up too much space and designate additional space...  Continue Reading

• Aligning disk partitions to boost virtual machine performance

  When it comes to performance tuning for virtual machines, you need to consider system volume partition alignment. This step-by-step guide indicates how to align partitions.  Continue Reading

• VMware ESX NetApp storage deduplication enhancements

  Although NetApp's deduplication feature for VMware environments requires no out-of-the-box configuration, optimizing it for VMware environments can enhance space savings.  Continue Reading

• Using VMware Converter to resize virtual disk files

  Resizing virtual disk files enables virtualization administrators to use host server capacity more efficiently. This article provides step-by-step instruction on using VMware Converter and the vmkstools command to change virtual disk file sizes.  Continue Reading

• VMware VI Client plug-ins and how to manage them

  VMware VI Client plug-ins can provide a VirtualCenter implementation with a functionality boost. Discover more on plug-in management tactics and plug-in options, including the Juxtaposition RDP plug-in, in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Two methods for accessing VMware ESX data stores

  VMware ESX data stores can provide quick access to ISO images, FLP files and more. Learn two different ways of accessing and managing the ESX data stores with this tip.  Continue Reading

• Creating and using VMware ESX Server templates

  ESX Server templates save time by enabling IT admins to quickly deploy copies of a "golden image" of a virtual machine.  Continue Reading

• Improving VMware ESX Server performance: 10 best practices

  Follow these best practices regarding hardware considerations, virtual machine (VM) configurations and more to improve VM performance.  Continue Reading

• Teaming NICs achieves load balance and failover on VMware ESX

  By grouping, or teaming, network interface cards (NICs), you can achieve better load balancing and failover capabilities for VMware ESX guest virtual machines.  Continue Reading

• VMware DRS and VMotion: Improve workload balance, prevent problems

  Learn how both VMware DRS and VMotion work individually, how they work together, and get configuration tips for optimal virtual machine performance in an environment that takes advantage of both technologies.  Continue Reading

• How to get VMware ESX virtual machine redundancy without VMware HA or VMotion

  Learn how to get VMware ESX virtual machine (VM) redundancy without pricey VMware HA or VMotion. The first step is setting up file servers.  Continue Reading

• Configuring VLANs in VMware Infrastructure 3

  In this tip, Scott Lowe discusses how to configure your VI3 environment to support VLANs.  Continue Reading