Automatically accepting all the defaults when installing VMware Tools on Linux

by with No Comment Misc

You know when you’ve spent hours (or at least it seems like hours) completing a very dull repetitive task, and then suddenly you go “Doh!”?

I had one of those this morning when installing VMware Tools on a CentOS VM that I will clone to be the basis of about 5-10 other VMs.  Usually this is a long process of accepting a bunch of default answers – it is really very unusual for me to take any non-default option, particularly when there is no X Windows installed. It’s one of those tasks that’s not fast enough to not be dull and yet not slow enough that you can go make a coffee while it completes.  There are at least 15 prompts to answer.

So I had a flash of inspiration, probably fuelled by those final drops of cold coffee from the previous monotonous task! ”I wonder if there’s an option to just have the installer accept all the defaults, and not ask every single time?”

Well guess what, there is…

[box color=”gray”]./vmware-install.pl –default[/box]

Tricky huh? 😉

Now I can just set the installer going (or indeed, script the entire process of getting the package on the machine, unpacking it, installing and then cleaning up).  Colour me one crazily happy man 😛

VMWare Logo Black

One for the VMWare admins…

by with 2 Comments Misc

VMWare Logo Black

A quick lesson I’ve learnt this week.

If using VMWare ESXi 5.5 (the most recent release), then make sure you update your VMs (or create new VMs) to use the VMXNET 3 adapter rather than the aged E1000 adapter.

The reason?

An ESXi 5.x host with virtual machines using an E1000 or E1000e virtual adapter fails with a purple diagnostic screen.

The article suggests this may happen with VMWare ESXi 5.0 and 5.1 as well, but I’ve never seen it on those releases.  After replacing the adapters with VMXNET 3 ones and reconfiguring the networking on the VMs we’ve had no crashes since.

More >

VMWare Fusion

Mac user? Want to run VMs?

by with No Comment Misc

If you’d like to run Windows or Linux on your Mac in virtual machines, you really have two choices: Parallels or VMWare Fusion.

My personal preference has always been for Fusion as it lets me create and use VMs that can subsequently be migrated to ESX and run as servers.

If you’re interested in VMWare Fusion, now might be the time to buy:

VMWare FusionVMware Fusion 2.0.5, 56% off

VMWare Fusion… Seamlessly run your favorite Windows applications and devices, on any Intel-based Mac. Built from the ground up for the Mac, VMware Fusion is the easiest way to switch to Macletting you bring all of your Windows applications with you, making the most of your Windows software investment, while providing the perfect safety blanket for the switch. Break Down the Walls Between Windows and Mac

With the powerful Unity feature, VMware Fusion seamlessly integrates your Windows applications with your Mac. Instantly launch Windows applications from any Mac file, the Dock, and more. Minimize Windows applications to the Dock and even quickly switch between Windows and Mac applications with Expose.

Safest Way to Run Windows on the Mac
VMware Fusion makes your Windows-on-Mac experience the safest possible with a suite of features to keep Windows safe and sound. From automated, timed snapshots, to embedded antivirus and antispyware software, VMware Fusion keeps Windows on your Mac sparkling.

Mac-like and User Friendly
Built from the ground up for Mac users, with an obsessive eye towards being a “good Mac citizen” VMware Fusion is the easiest, most Mac-friendly way to run Windows on the Mac. A Mac-first user interface ensures that users get the features they expect, like customizable tool bars, searchable Apple help, Boot Camp support, dock notification integration, and more.

Power to Burn
Based on the most advanced virtualization engine the world has ever known, the result of more than a decade of development, VMware Fusion brings all the power of VMware’s enterprise-proven technology to the Mac.

Why Choose VMware Fusion?
Thanks to its superior power, flexibility, and pedigree, VMware Fusion is the right choice for anyone looking to get the most out of their Mac by running Windows applications side-by-side with Mac applications.

So, if you’d like to get a license for VMWare Fusion for just $34.95 (instead of $79.99) get over to MUPromo now…

VMWare offer

Mac users – get VMWare Fusion at 30% discount

by with No Comment Misc

VMWare offer

Act now and save 30%!*

For one week only, VMware is offering you 30% off when you buy VMware Fusion online.

Redeem 30% off automatically when you enter the promo code “oneweekdeal” before clicking on “secure checkout” in the shopping cart.

SAVE 30% TODAY
Regular Price: 52.67GBP (or local equivalent)
Your Price: 36.87GBP* (or local equivalent)

Buy Now

*Price does not include VAT Tax. Offer Expires at 11:59PM PT on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.

Sincerely,
The VMware Team

VMWare goes viral

by with No Comment Misc

VMWare launches a new viral campaign designed to get the word out regarding virtualisation in SMBs:

Go Viral with VMware
We’ve created a series of short, but entertaining videos to tell the story about VMware solutions for small and mid-size businesses. Help us get the word out! Feel free to use these videos at events, tradeshows, trainings, etc.

  • Visit YouTube to watch the videos and pass the link on to your customers. (see below)
  • Visit our SMB landing page to view the videos and check out other resources to help customers learn more about the benefits of VMware virtualization.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sKqmyQdH6s&hl=en&fs=1]

I think that gets the message across pretty well…