Over the last few days, I have been playing around with different virtualization programs to help with my Windows 2008 Server studies. My last article dealt with VMWare Server, and this article will deal with one the most heavily used application for virtualization, that is, VMWare Workstation. The program has undergone many changes since the last time I used it way back in 2000. Before rushing to install this nifty program, make sure that you have the proper system specs. Your PC will host the VMs, and it is called the Host OS; VMs are called Guest OS. For system requirements, you can get to the company’s published page by clicking here. Now that you have the requirements for the software, and downloaded the trial version (if not purchased)–let’s install it.
1. Double left-click the downloaded exe file. A load-up screen should appear:
2. This will take a couple of seconds to move on to the setup screen. When it does appear, click Next.
3. Now you should be looking at the Setup Type screen:
From the two options that you are given here, choose Typical. Then click Next.
4. Next up is to specify where you want to install the application. Leave the default settings or choose where you want to install it. Click Next.
5. The screen that appears is “Create Shortcuts” which allows you to access VMWare in a variety of ways. All choices are checked by default; uncheck those that don’t quite suit your taste.
6. Click Next. Now its time for the actual installation to begin–Click Continue. Click back if you need to review previous selections.
Here’s a screenshot of the installation progress:
As the network packages for VMWare are being installed, you will be prompted by your firewall software (if you have one) to acknowledge the newly discovered networks, just like VMWare Server did. In VMWare networking, there are two packages–one for NAT and another for Host-Only, and one driver for Bridging; when creating the VM, you will have the choice of these three types of networking. Simply acknowledge the discoveries in your firewall.
7. When the installation is finished, it is time to enter a serial number. When you are finished entering data, click Enter.
Now the installation is fully completed, and you will be warned for a reboot.
After restarting my PC, I have the VMWare Workstation quick-access icon in my system tray.
From that icon, you can get to the VMWare console and start adding VMs. How did it go for you?
If you’re looking to create a VM and then install an OS, you would go about doing it the same way like VMWare Server.
Tek or Belly Up 