neil4933
asked on
Building home lab/ ISO files
Hi
I am trying to learn for my MS certs and am building a virtual lab at home that will have:
Windows 2008 Server
Exchange 2010
AD 2008
Lync 2010
Citrix
I've got a x64 hardware server (Proliant model) from ebay. I'd like to have VMware installed on here so that I can install the virtua servers.
I've downloaded VMware vSphere Hypervisor 5 from the VM site in the form of an ISO file.
I also have Windows 2008 Server in the form of an ISO file.
The rest of the stuff I have in the form of EXE files.
Some questions -
i. What's the best way to install ESXi onto the server
ii. What's the best way to install Windows 2008 Server
iii. There's going to be quite a few different servers I need to install, is there a way to copy some sort of Server template so I don't have to keep building the different 2008 servers (which will be time-consuming)
iv. I was thinking of having the DC and Exchange 2010 Server on the same virtual server, any reason not to do this for lab purposes?
I am trying to learn for my MS certs and am building a virtual lab at home that will have:
Windows 2008 Server
Exchange 2010
AD 2008
Lync 2010
Citrix
I've got a x64 hardware server (Proliant model) from ebay. I'd like to have VMware installed on here so that I can install the virtua servers.
I've downloaded VMware vSphere Hypervisor 5 from the VM site in the form of an ISO file.
I also have Windows 2008 Server in the form of an ISO file.
The rest of the stuff I have in the form of EXE files.
Some questions -
i. What's the best way to install ESXi onto the server
ii. What's the best way to install Windows 2008 Server
iii. There's going to be quite a few different servers I need to install, is there a way to copy some sort of Server template so I don't have to keep building the different 2008 servers (which will be time-consuming)
iv. I was thinking of having the DC and Exchange 2010 Server on the same virtual server, any reason not to do this for lab purposes?
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Lee W, MVP
Keep in mind, you don't need ESX - you COULD use Hyper-V. It's definitely a good thing to learn ESX, but Hyper-V is a valid competitor and its use is growing and will grow with Windows 8/Server 2012.