Installation guide

Chapter 1. Introduction

The Virtualization Getting Started Guide introduces the basics of virtualization and assists with the

navigation of other virtualization documentation and products that Red Hat provides.

This guide also explains the advantages of virtualization and dispels some common myths that exist

regarding virtualization.

1.1. Who should read t his guide?

This guide is designed for anyone wishing to understand the basics of virtualization, but may be of

particular interest to:

Those who are new to virtualization and seeking knowledge about the benefits offered.

Those considering deployment of virtualized machines in their environment.

Those looking for an overview of the virtualization technologies that Red Hat produces and

supports.

1.2. Virt ualizat ion in Red Hat Ent erprise Linux 6

Red Hat Enterprise Linux contains packages and tools to support a variety of virtualized

environments.

Virtualization in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 is carried out by KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine).

KVM is a full virtualization solution built into Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.

Refer to Chapter 4, Introduction to Red Hat virtualization products for more about the virtualization

products available in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.

1.3. Red Hat Ent erprise Virt ualizat ion (RHEV)

Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV) is a complete enterprise virtualization management solution

for server and desktop virtualization, based on Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) technology.

Designed for enterprise-class scalability and performance, Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization enables

management of your entire virtual infrastructure, including hosts, virtual machines, networks,

storage, and users from a centralized graphical interface.

Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization includes the RHEV Manager infrastructure management system and

the RHEV Hypervisor, which supports a wide range of Windows and Linux server and desktop

operating systems — all while delivering reliability, stability, and the lowest total cost of ownership in

its class.

Download a fully supported 60-day evaluation version of Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization from

http://www.redhat.com/en/technologies/virtualization/enterprise-virtualization.

1.4. Document at ion suit e

Red Hat offers a wealth of documentation solutions across its various virtualization products.

Coverage of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and its inbuilt virtualization products includes:

Red Hat Ent erprise Linux 6 Virt ualizat io n G et t ing St art ed G uide