Specifications

CHAPTER 2 Installing VMware GSX Server

A basic installation of GSX Server uses two computers — a server hosting a number of

virtual machines and a client workstation. The client communicates with the virtual

machines on the server over a TCP/IP network link.

In more complex installations, one client can run multiple VMware Virtual Machine

Consoles, with each console managing multiple virtual machines on a separate server.

Before you begin, be sure you have:

• A server and host operating system that meet the system requirements for

running GSX Server. See Host System Requirements on page 19.

• A remote management client and operating system that meet the system

requirements for running the GSX Server remote management software. See

Remote Client Requirements on page 23.

• The GSX Server installation software. If you bought a GSX Server media kit, the

installation software is on the CD in your package. If you bought the electronic

distribution, the installation software is included with the files you downloaded.

• Your GSX Server serial number. The serial number is included in the email

message you received from VMware or from the reseller from whom you

purchased GSX Server.

• The installation CDs or disks for your guest operating systems.

• If you plan to use the VMware Management Interface, you must make sure

Internet Information Services (IIS) is installed and configured properly.

On the Server

A complete installation on the GSX Server host includes:

• The GSX Server package for the server (which includes the tools needed to

create and configure virtual machines and the VMware Virtual Machine Console

to view and control virtual machines).

• The VMware Management Interface package (a Web server for managing virtual

machines and the host from a browser; for more information, see Managing

Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host on page 99).

• The VmCOM API package, a scripting tool that uses COM to manage virtual

machines remotely; for more information, go to

www.vmware.com/support/developer.

• The VmPerl API package, a scripting tool that uses Perl to manage virtual

machines remotely; for more information, go to