The SQL Server
Now I will create an SQL server on which the vCenter database will reside. The express database that comes along with the vCenter for free is by far enough for my home lab, but building an SQL server is fun.
Month: March 2014
Building a vSphere 5.5 home lab: Part 4 – Domain Controller
Prepare the base template
The first machine to create is the Domain Controller, which is also going to act as a DHCP and DNS server.
Building a vSphere 5.5 home lab: Part 3 – Prepare the base template
Base Template
Although it is not necessary to convert the base VM to a template in my setup I believe it is a good practise to do this in general if you plan to deploy a lot of VMs from a base machine. Converting the VM to a template ensures it cannot be operated, and thus avoid having someone else accidentally mess with it. Using the Linked Clone technology also reduce the amount of space a cloned machine utilize.
Building a vSphere 5.5 home lab: Part 2 – Base Template
Base Template
I am now going to build a base template to be used for new virtual machines needed for the core infrastructure. I will use Windows 2012 R2 as the base OS, and I will use the Linked Clones technology of VMware Workstation to minimize disk space utilization. This makes sure the virtual machines are not taking up a lot of space.
Building a vSphere 5.5 home lab: Part 1 – VMware Workstation 10 configuration
I was at a VMware Install, Configure, Manage v5.5 course a week ago and this invoked my interest in virtualization. I quickly scattered the net for a guide on how to set up a lab for myself, and I found one guy who came down to my level of understanding. He has done a step-by-step guide of how to set up a 5.1 environment.
IT vlab 