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Problem solve

Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

• Automating IT processes for virtual machines

  IT process automation tools help tackle workflow challenges in virtual machine management, disaster recovery and server consolidation - and free up IT staff for higher-level virtualization projects. Continue Reading

• Virtual desktop infrastructure with Sun Ray 2 devices

  The Sun Ray 2 series of physical client devices allows you to manage bandwidth, support multimedia and gives you options for peripheral connectivity in a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) at a competitive price. An expert looks at the ... Continue Reading

• Capacity planning for virtual environments

  Effective virtual environment capacity planning requires taking inventory of applications, allocating computing power and organizing disaster recovery resources. An expert outlines capacity planning considerations in this tip. Continue Reading

• Hyper-V and PerfMon: Even more useful counters

  In addition to measuring processing power, Hyper-V's PerfMon counters can also monitor root partitions, memory use and virtual machine networking to help enhance performance management in your virtual environment. An expert highlights the features ... Continue Reading

• Hyper-V and PerfMon: Not your usual processor counters

  If you want to monitor virtual machine performance on a Hyper-V platform, you'll need to learn about the differences of Hyper-V's PerfMon counters. An expert explains their distinguishing features in this tip. Continue Reading

• Internal vs. external guest virtual machine storage

  What's the best option for guest virtual machine storage: internal VM storage with Virtual Machine Disk Formats, or VMDKs, or external VM storage with iSCSI? An expert weighs the pros and cons of both methods.Continue Reading

• Eight critical tasks to complete after server virtualization

  Physical server virtualization isn't the end of a virtualization project. These eight critical postvirtualization tasks, including host server patching, monitoring virtual machine sprawl and exploring backup options, can help to ensure an efficient,...Continue Reading

• Improving virtual system management

  Solid virtual systems management can reduce downtime and improve an environment's productivity. An expert outlines the benefits of automated provisioning as well as configuration and performance management tools in this tip.Continue Reading

• Securing virtual environments: Three considerations

  If you approach virtual environment security by viewing elements such as a hypervisor and management applications in isolation, you invite breaches and risk. This tip outlines three common risks to virtual environments and how to prevent them.Continue Reading

• Beware of the virtualization hype cycle

  As virtualization becomes more prevalent, the term is turning into a marketing buzzword as vendors seek to cash in on this growing technology. In this tip, an expert explains what the hype around virtualization is and how IT pros can avoid it.Continue Reading

• Mounting Xen virtual machines with image-based storage back ends

  By mounting Xen virtual machine disks located in image files, you have the ability to reactivate a failing VMwith greater ease. In this tip, an expert will explain how to do this for both Windows and Linux-based virtual host operating systems.Continue Reading

• Virtual machine and VMware snapshot guide

  Taking snapshots of virtualized environments can minimize botched virtual machine (VM) administration, including system crashes and errors. Learn the basics about snapshots and VMware snapshot management in this guide.Continue Reading

• Migrating Microsoft Virtual Server to Hyper-V

  Hyper-V is faster and more enhanced than Microsoft Virtual Server (MVS), which may prompt some Microsoft shops to make the switch. An expert explains how to migrate from MVS to Hyper-V.Continue Reading

• Virtual machine backup with Hyper-V

  Regardless of which virtualization platform you use, virtual machine backup poses challenges, such as how to retrieve individual files. An expert explains how to back up VMs using Microsoft's Hyper-V.Continue Reading

• Windows P2V conversions with PlateSpin PowerConvert

  PlateSpin's PowerConvert program allows you to convert physical machines to virtual ones across different platforms. In this tip, an expert explains how to convert a Windows Server 2003 physical machine to a XenServer virtual one.Continue Reading

• Disaster recovery with PowerConvert flexible images

  PlateSpin's PowerConvert enables creation server images, which can be a central disaster recovery tool. This step-by-step tip outlines how to create flexible images.Continue Reading

• Capacity planning for virtualized Microsoft environments

  Without capacity planning, you may allocate more virtual machines than a host can sustain and create performance problems. This tip outlines capacity planning practices for Microsoft environments.Continue Reading

• The benefits of Hyper-V Server 1.0

  Microsoft's Hyper-V Server has advantages over VMware ESXi, says an expert in this Hyper-V benefits and installation tip.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Virtual Server still viable management option

  Hyper-V may be the newest virtualization management offering from Microsoft, but Virtual Server 2005 R2 (MSVS) is still a solid option for managing virtual infrastructure. An expert discusses why in this tip.Continue Reading

• Server repurposing: Achieving more efficient data center virtualization

  Effective virtual architecture enables you to make rapid changes to servers, software and storage. This tip explains why server repurposing increases virtualization's efficiency.Continue Reading

• Virtuozzo creates containers with OS virtualization

  Unlike a hypervisor-based virtualization platform, Virtuozzo's virtualization layer sits on top of a base operating system running as a virtualization application. This tip explains how virtual machines, or containers, differ between OS and ...Continue Reading

• Installing PlateSpin PowerConvert

  PlateSpin's new PowerConvert enables not only physical-to-virtual migration but also server workload management between physical and virtual servers. An expert explains how to install PowerConvert in this tip.Continue Reading

• Comparing I/O virtualization products

  Finding the I/O virtualization approach that is appropriate for your environment depends on your specific business needs. In part three of this series on virtualizing I/O, contributor Scott Lowe discusses the differences between various I/O ...Continue Reading

• Why unvirtualize?

  For support reasons, migrating from a virtual server architecture back to a physical one can be necessary. This article features tips on physical-to-virtual (P2V) conversions.Continue Reading

• Managing Hyper-V's security permissions

  While the default settings for Hyper-V's security permissions can work well in smaller settings, you may need to adjust these settings in larger environments. This tip outlines setting configuration with Hyper-V's not-so-intuitive Authorization ...Continue Reading

• Using PlateSpin 7.0 for server discovery during P2V conversion

  Before you undertake a physical-to-virtual (P2V) conversion, you need information about your environment's servers. This tip explains how to perform server discovery with PlateSpin's PowerConvert 7.0.Continue Reading

• Reducing virtual and physical management redundancy

  In the mad rush to adopt virtualization, many IT managers have overlooked the redundancy between their virtual and physical infrastructures. This tip outlines how to manage physical and virtual silos and redundant tools.Continue Reading

• How to install an open source iSCSI SAN server inside Microsoft Hyper-V

  Buying a real iSCSI storage area network for testing or home use is costly, but installing an open source iSCSI SAN such as Openfiler in a Microsoft Hyper-V virtual machine is an affordable alternative. Openfiler offers numerous useful storage, ...Continue Reading

• Assessing Hyper-V's benefits, limitations

  Not too long ago, VMware reigned supreme in the virtualization marketplace. Since Hyper-V has stepped onto the playing field, the virtualization game has changed. We assess Hyper-V's strengths and weaknesses in this tip.Continue Reading

• Using Ubuntu JeOS to create a virtual appliance

  With its stripped-down kernel, Ubuntu JeOS – Just enough Operating System – creates virtual appliances simply and efficiently. Here we outline how to configure JeOS as a Secure Shell server.Continue Reading

• Using virtualization in a disaster recovery strategy

  Now server virtualization is used in disaster recovery (DR) settings, and virtualization for DR can be a great fit and a cost reducer.Continue Reading

• Citrix XenServer tip: Doing a physical-to-virtual conversion

  Follow these steps to use Citrix XenServer's physical-to-virtual (P2V) conversion module, and learn when using third-party P2V tools would be a be better option. XenServer's module only works with certain operating system, such as Red Hat Enterprise...Continue Reading

• Installing KVM virtual machines

  Creating Linux Kernel-based Virtual Machines is easy. This tip outlines the simple steps to virtualizing the Linux way and shows how to install Windows and Ubuntu as guest OSes.Continue Reading

• Opting for Hyper-V in laptop-based virtualization

  Running a Hyper-V virtual machine off a laptop is convenient but not without some drawbacks, such as the need for high-end hardware and compromised performance.Continue Reading

• Monitor VMware ESX with third-party applications

  Performance monitoring tools, including those from Hyperic and Microsoft, provide better analysis than VMware's standard tool set. This guide reviews the virtualization performance management offerings that are compatible with ESX and with other ...Continue Reading

• Optimizing Hyper-V performance: Advanced fine-tuning

  Hyper-V integration services and Microsoft's new synthetic network drivers require administrators to be proactive with hardware and network settings. In this tip, we outline how to fine-tune these settings to improve network and multicore processor ...Continue Reading

• The Microsoft vs VMware FUD Wars; Let battle commence

  short analysis of the battle between Microsoft and VMwareContinue Reading

• Installing Citrix XenServer 4.1 virtual machines

  Create a Linux virtual machine from XenCenter with this step-by-step guide.Continue Reading

• Getting started with Citrix XenServer 4.1

  Xen-based virtualization from Citrix offers several different platforms. Find the one that is right for you and learn how easy it is to install XenServer and how to run the XenCenter management console.Continue Reading

• Maximizing I/O virtualization

  Use I/O virtualization to consolidate virtual server workloads and reduce port and NIC overcrowding with this tip.Continue Reading

• Optimizing Hyper-V performance: Monitoring tips

  To optimally configure Hyper-V virtual machines, use tools such as Task Manager and Performance Monitor. Proper CPU resource allocation and using supported guest operating OSes also create streamlined virtualization deployment. An expert outlines ...Continue Reading

• Migrating from Microsoft Virtual Server to Hyper-V

  If you're considering the move from Virtual Server to Hyper-V, this tip offers guidance and a step-by-step guide for migrating virtual machines to Microsoft's new virtualization platform.Continue Reading

• OS virtualization: Virtualizing without the hypervisor

  Get faster and smaller, hypervisor-free virtual machines with container-based operating system virtualization. Expert Greg Shields shows how to get greater VM performance in less physical space in this tip.Continue Reading

• Creating an OS virtualization architecture

  OS virtualization's advantages, when hosted atop hypervisor-based architectures, fit into many different virtualization strategies. Expert Greg Shields discusses how hosted desktops, test/dev environments and servers can benefit.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V is RTM…

  As you have probably heard, Microsoft’s long awaited dabbling in virtualization has finally been released.This is an assessment of Hyper-V and its impactContinue Reading

• Preventing VM sprawl with archiving

  Creating archives of idle virtual machines (VMs), curbs VM sprawl and use resources efficiently. This tip outlines the benefits and the two steps involved in archiving.Continue Reading

• Virtualizing VoIP

  As IP PBX vendors embrace nonproprietary platforms, the time is right for virtualizing call managers. And maximizing underutilized VoIP/IPT servers is just one way to virtualize communications, an expert explains.Continue Reading

• How to virtualize server I/O

  Virtualization strategies for server I/O can turn a complex mess into an efficient virtual environment that delivers I/O connectivity. An expert guides you through peripheral I/O and storage virtualization, deduplication, and emerging virtualization...Continue Reading

• Optimizing virtual hard disk performance in Hyper-V

  To improve virtual hard disk (VHD) performance, allocate virtual machines more efficiently, better distribute VHD I/O load and perform standard disk operations regularly.Continue Reading

• Maximizing hypervisor value at lower cost amid virtualization competition

  Pricy hypervisors like VMware's are on the road to commoditization. But until they decrease in price, use these survival tactics to maximize value without paying a premium.Continue Reading

• Open Virtual Machine Format to benefit users

  Virtualization vendors plan to adopt the Open Virtual Machine Format (OVF) to facilitate virtual appliance deployment. An expert discusses how VMware users can benefit from the new format.Continue Reading

• Taking Snapshots with Hyper-V

  Point-in-time archives are a snap in Hyper-V with the new snapshot tool. Learn how to use the easy-to-use feature in the Management Console to create hierarchies of VM configuration changes.Continue Reading

• Leveraging legacy IT with virtualization

  Migrating legacy applications to virtual machines maximizes the benefits of next-generation hardware. Learn how to retain older programs and preserve IT investments by following these examples of native and cross-platform virtualization migration.Continue Reading

• Making the case for virtualization

  Making the case for virtualization's benefits can be an uphill battle -- that is, if you aren't prepared. But a targeted approach that addreses skeptics' concerns enables managers tosell virtualization to network, development, security and ...Continue Reading

• Virtualization costs include high availability, infrastructure

  When it comes to implementing virtualization, it's not all about cost benefits. In fact, the hidden costs of virtualization may outweigh some of the savings. Additional high availability, backup, power, application and administrative expenses are ...Continue Reading

• Xen-based virtualization minimizes hypervisor relevance

  From XenServer to Sun xVM, Xen-based products have challenged VMware's market share and deemed hypervisor technology less relevant. Lower pricing, better packaging and less emphasis on hypervisors may spell long-term success for Xen.Continue Reading

• Preserving legacy IT investment with virtualization

  Server virtualization can breathe new life into legacy programs. Learn how to retain your legacy IT investment when migrating to virtualization with either binary virtualized re-hosting or binary cross-platform re-hosting.Continue Reading

• Managing virtual hard disks in Hyper-V

  The flexible virtual storage architecture of Hyper-V maximizes physical space and optimizes performance for creating and managing VHDs. This tip covers the different types of VHDs and explains how to work with them using Management Console, virtual ...Continue Reading

• Virtualization face-off: The case for Hyper-V

  Microsoft's Hyper-V, will enter the virtualization ring as a relative underdog. But Hyper-V's price and better hardware compatibility poise it to compete with VMware and Xen.Continue Reading

• How virtualization reduces IT managers' workloads

  Virtualization changes the way IT managers think and work with many valuable tools, such as snapshots and ISO files, and benefits such as High Availability and cloning.Continue Reading

• Understanding Hyper-V partitions and device drivers

  With Hyper-V's device driver options, you can get greater virtual machine performance without sacrificing OS compatibility. Learn about features that make Microsoft's platform more manageable.Continue Reading

• Creating additional Xen virtual network bridges

  Configuring additional bridges between virtual machines and physical networks in Xen increases virtual network performance. An expert gives the necessary commands and scripts in this tip.Continue Reading

• Benefiting from I/O virtualization

  A new form of virtualization, I/O virtualization, can provide greater flexibility and utilization as well as faster provisioning. Expert Scott Lowe explains the potential gains to be made by deploying I/O virtualization on a network.Continue Reading

• Creating snapshots in Xen with Linux commands

  Xen doesn't support snapshots, but you can use Linux commands to create virtual machine portraits. This tip offers two snapshot methods.Continue Reading

• Virtualizing streaming video servers

  It's possible to virtualize streaming video, but deployment depends on network, storage I/O, and bandwidth requirements of the virtual host, says an expert.Continue Reading

• Data deduplication for virtualization: Too much of a good thing?

  Data deduplication options for virtualized servers might impact performance by creating data bottlenecks, according to an expert.Continue Reading

• Four rules for virtual machine migration

  In a physical-to-virtual migration, getting a handle on your server and storage requirements as well as disaster recovery needs can significantly reduce risks. An expert offers his four golden rules to avoid migration problems.Continue Reading

• Good tools, practices for VM change management

  Since virtual machines are so easy to move, tracking change can be a problem. An expert offers up change management tool recommendations and best practices.Continue Reading

• Building and managing a VM library

  Virtual machines (VMs) may be easy to create, move and use, but managing them is a different story. In this tip you'll learn how to prevent server sprawl by creating a VM library.Continue Reading

• Managing virtual machines with Microsoft System Center

  Microsoft System Center is a strong asset in Microsoft's growing family of virtualization products that automates many administration tasks. But while the Windows Server management tool streamlines VM management, there is still room for improvement ...Continue Reading

• Virtualization brings data center flexibility, not just savings

  Virtualization enables data center flexibility and the ability to recover from disruptive events, not just cost savings and efficiency.Continue Reading

• Backup options for virtual machines

  In the IT world, backups are a necessary evil. The good news is that you have several options when it comes to backing up your machines.Continue Reading

• Installing Citrix XenServer for free

  In this tip, site expert Sander van Vugt explains how to install the free version of Citrix XenServer in your virtual environment.Continue Reading

• Five pitfalls of virtualization, and how to avoid them

  This free Info-Tech report highlights five common virtualization implementation challenges and how they can be mitigated by focusing on application provisioning and capacity planning.Continue Reading

• Creating a live operating system in a VMware environment

  Site expert Andrew Kutz answers a user question about creating live operating systems in a VMware environment.Continue Reading

• Setting up shared storage for VMware ESX Server

  Site expert Andrew Kutz answers a user question on creating shared storage in a VMware ESX Server environment.Continue Reading

• Creating an ESX VI3 cluster

  Site expert Andrew Kutz answers a user question about creating a ESX VI3 cluster for a data center.Continue Reading

• How virtualization impacts IT staff, security and change management

  Virtualization breeds three new challenges: reorganizing IT department taskforces, recognizing new security vulnerabilities, and working with a complex change management process.Continue Reading

• Virtualization simplified: 'Virtualization for Dummies' chapter download

  If you've struggled with the core concepts of virtualization, take heart: Chapter 1 of Virtualization for Dummies, "Wrapping Your Head Around Virtualization," will bring you up to speed.Continue Reading

• Evaluating virtualized databases

  Applied to databases, virtualization can improve performance and minimize storage requirements. This discussion evaluates these benefits as well as the costs of virtualized database environments.Continue Reading

• VMware Converter: Version differences, hot and cold cloning

  VMware Converter is VMware's physical-to-virtual (P2V) conversion tool. Learn about version differences, hot and cold cloning, and which servers to stay away from with this tool.Continue Reading

• Using VDI images to stream applications

  In this expert response, site expert James Geis highlights the advantages of streaming applications in VDI images to save virtual machine space.Continue Reading

• Network-bridge and ifconfig: Configuring Xen networks on Linux

  Learn how to use network-bridge and ifconfig commands with Xen on SUSE Linux Enterprise to control the network bridge and see all available interfaces on your network.Continue Reading

• Virtual host maintenance and enhancement strategies

  Upgrading a virtual host environment requires advanced planning. Our expert outlines a strategy and explains why this process is so critical to virtualization's dynamic infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Using advanced NAS features in virtualization

  Network-attached storage (NAS) devices can simplify virtualization and support larger numbers of VMs with new, advanced features. NAS strategies benefit virtualized environments just as much as higher-end products, as this tip explains.Continue Reading

• Disaster recovery preparedness in virtual environments

  A virtual environment introduces different requirements for disaster recovery preparedness, including backing up hypervisor configuration settings and creating virtual machine snapshots.Continue Reading

• Networking and availability considerations with virtual servers

  Granting priorities to some servers over others is important for high availability in a virtual environment, as is network redundancy and isolation, when necessary.Continue Reading

• Putting virtual appliances on physical hardware

  Expert Anil Desai answers a user question about P2V tools.Continue Reading

• Prevent server crashes with application virtualization

  Untamed applications can crash important servers. Application virtualization and containers can solve the problem.Continue Reading

• Clarifying the virtualization discussion

  Expert Scott Feuless answers a user question on which types of virtualization technologies he takes into account when speaking of virtualization.Continue Reading

• Working with Xen in Slackware 12.0

  Site expert Bernard Golden answers a user question about working with Xen in Slackware 12.Continue Reading

• Sifting through P2V conversion tools.

  Site expert Anil Desai answers a user question dealing with the different P2V tools on the market today.Continue Reading

• Quantifying virtualization ROI

  Site expert Scott Feuless answers a user question on how to quantify your company's virtualization ROI.Continue Reading

• Weighing hosted, bare-metal, OS and hybrid server virtualization

  This tip helps you identify the pros and cons of the various server virtualization approaches: hosted, bare-metal, operating system and hybrid.Continue Reading

• Achieving high availability in a virtualized environment

  High availability (HA) in virtual environments now requires an arsenal of tools, including spare hardware provisioning and system health checks for rapid fault detection.Continue Reading

• Networking problems the next virtualization hurdle?

  Add networking problems to the list of concerns for virtual environments, including network traffic gluts, too few network interface cards, and poor network security.Continue Reading

• Cisco PIX emulator

  Looking for a way to use Cisco PIX emulator with VMware? Site expert Andrew Kutz will tell you if it's possible.Continue Reading

• How server virtualization technology is upending operating systems

  As operating system functions migrate to hypervisors in virtualized environments, the traditional OS has transformed into a function-specific software stack.Continue Reading

• Challenges with adapting operating systems to virtual architectures

  This tip details the challenges involved in adapting operating systems from the x86-based computing architecture to a virtualization-based computing architecture. Learn how "just enough" or JeOS slimmed-down operating systems will play into virtual ...Continue Reading

• Virtualization boosts Linux, Unix adoption more than Windows

  Learn how server virtualization will benefit Linux and Unix operating system adoption but harm Windows Server adoption by relieving the one-operating-system-to-one-server modus operandi.Continue Reading