Virtual Machines

Virtual Machines Module 7

Module 2-2

You Are Here

VMware vSphere 4.1: Install, Configure, Manage – Revision A

vSphere Environment

Virtual Machines

Introduction to VMware Virtualization

VMware ESX and ESXi

VMware vCenter Server

Networking

Storage

Operations

Access Control

Resource Monitoring

Data Protection

Scalability

High Availability

Patch Management

Installing VMware ESX and ESXi

Module 2-3

Importance


You can create a virtual machine in a number of ways. Choosing the correct method can help you save time and make the deployment process manageable and scalable.

Module 2-4

Module Lessons


Lesson 1: Virtual Machine Concepts Lesson 2: Creating a Virtual Machine Lesson 3: Creating Templates and Clones Lesson 4: vCenter Converter Lesson 5: Modifying Virtual Machines Lesson 6: Managing Virtual Machines

Module 2-5

Lesson 1:Virtual Machine Concepts


Module 2-6

Lesson Objectives


Describe a virtual machine Display a virtual machine’s files List the virtual machine hardware

Module 2-7

What Is a Virtual Machine?

A virtual machine is: A set of virtual hardware on

which a supported guest operating system and its applications run

A set of discrete files

A virtual machine’s configuration file describes the virtual machine’s configuration, including its virtual hardware. Avoid using special characters

and spaces in the virtual machine’s name.


…guestOS = “winnetstandard”

…displayName = “MyVM”(etc.)

MyVM.vmx

virtual machine

Module 2-8

What Files Make Up a Virtual Machine?


Filename Description

<VM_name>.vmx Virtual machine configuration file

<VM_name>.vmdk File describing virtual disk characteristics

<VM_name>-flat.vmdk Preallocated virtual disk file that contains the data

<VM_name>.nvram Virtual machine BIOS

vmware.log,vmware-#.log

Virtual machine log file andfiles containing old virtual machine log entries

<VM_name>.vswp Virtual machine swap file

<VM_name>.vmsd File that describes the virtual machine’s snapshots

<Template_name>.vmtx Virtual machine template configuration file

Other files exist for snapshots, raw disk mappings, NFS locks, and change tracking with VMware Data Recovery.

Module 2-9

Displaying a Virtual Machine’s Files


On the Configuration tab, click the Storage link.Right-click a datastore to browse its files.

Module 2-10

Using the Storage Views Tab to Display Files


Click the Storage Views tab.Select Show All Virtual Machine Files from the menu.

Module 2-11

Virtual Machine Hardware


Module 2-12

CPU and Memory


Up to eight virtual CPUs (vCPUs): VMware® Virtual SMP

license required Also depends on the

number of licensed CPUs on a host and the number of processors supported by a guest operating system

Maximum memory size(up to 255GB): Amount the guest operating

system will be told that it has

Module 2-13

Virtual Disk


Sample virtual disk definition:Virtual disk size: 4GBDatastore: MyVMFSVirtual disk node: 0:0Virtual storage adapter: LSI Logic SASVirtual disk files: Server1.vmdk and Server1-flat.vmdkDefault disk mode: Snapshots allowedOptional disk mode: Independent – persistent or nonpersistentDisk provisioning: Thick or thin

Module 2-14

Virtual Network Interface Card


Network adapters that might be available for your virtual machine: Flexible – Can function as either

a vlance or vmxnet adapter:• vlance – Also called PCNet32,

supported by most 32-bit guest operating systems

• vmxnet – Provides significantly better performance than vlance

e1000 – High-performance adapter available for only some guest operating systems

vmxnet2 (Enhanced vmxnet) – vmxnet adapter with enhanced performance

vmxnet3 – Builds on the vmxnet2 adapter

Whenever possible, choose vmxnet3.

Module 2-15

Other Devices


CD/DVD drive: Connect to CD-ROM,

DVD, or ISO image.

Floppy drive: Connect to floppy or

floppy image.

Generic SCSI devices (such as tape libraries): Can be connected to

additional SCSI adapters

Module 2-16

Virtual Machine Console


Send power changes to the virtual machine.Access the virtual machine’s guest operating system.Send Ctrl+Alt+Del to the guest operating system. Press Ctrl+Alt+Ins

in the virtual machine console.

Press Ctrl+Alt to release the pointer from the virtual machine console.

VM console

icon

VM console

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Lesson Summary


Describe a virtual machine Display a virtual machine’s files List the virtual machine hardware

Module 2-18

Lesson 2:Creating a Virtual Machine


Module 2-19

Lesson Objectives


Provision a virtual machine:• Create the virtual machine• Install the guest operating system into the virtual machine• Install VMware Tools into the guest operating system

Describe how to import a virtual appliance

Module 2-20

Provisioning a Virtual Machine


Methods for creating virtual machines: Use the Create New Virtual Machine wizard. Import a virtual appliance. Deploy a virtual machine from template. Clone a virtual machine. Use VMware vCenter Converter. Use Guided Consolidation.

Module 2-21

Create New Virtual Machine Wizard


Create a new virtual machine in the VMware vCenter Server inventory. In the Hosts and Clusters

view, select a datacenter, cluster, or host.

In the VMs and Templates view, select a datacenter or folder.

Start the Create New Virtual Machine wizard. Perform a “typical” or

“custom” configuration.

Module 2-22

Choosing the Typical Configuration


Information needed for a typical configuration: Virtual machine name and inventory location Location in which to place the virtual machine (cluster, host,

resource pool) Datastore on which to store the virtual machine’s files Guest operating system and version Disk parameters for creating a new virtual disk:

• Disk size• Disk-provisioning settings:

Allocate and commit space on demand (Thin Provisioning) Support clustering features such as Fault Tolerance

Module 2-23

Choosing the Custom Configuration


Other information needed for a custom configuration: Virtual machine version (version 7 is the latest) Number of CPUs and size of memory Number of NICs, network to connect to, and network adapter type SCSI controller type Whether to create a new disk, use an existing disk, use an RDM, or

use no disk Other disk-provisioning settings:

• Whether to store the virtual disk with the virtual machine or in a different datastore

• Virtual device node (for example, SCSI(0:0))• Mode-independent (persistent and nonpersistent)

For both the typical and the custom configurations: You can edit virtual machine settings before completing the task.

• For example, attach an ISO image to the virtual CD/DVD drive.

Module 2-24

Installing the Guest Operating System


Install the guest operating system into the virtual machine.

Module 2-25

VMware Tools


Features of VMware Tools include: Device drivers:

• SVGA display• vmxnet/vmxnet3• Balloon driver for

memory management

• Sync driver for quiescing I/O

• Improved mouse

Virtual machine heartbeat

Time synchronization Ability to shut down

virtual machine

VMware Tools icon

Install VMware Tools into the guest operating system.

Module 2-26

Virtual Appliances


Preconfigured virtual machines: Usually designed for a single

purpose (for example, a safe browser or firewall)

Deployed as an OVF template

Available from the VMware Virtual Appliance Marketplace: http://www.vmware.com/appliances

Use the VMware vSphere™ Client to upload appliances into vCenter Server.

Module 2-27

Deploying an OVF Template


Another way to deploy a virtual appliance or any virtual machine stored in OVF format: Deploy from an OVF template.

Module 2-28

Lab 8


In this lab, you will create, import, and prepare virtual machines for use.1. Create a virtual machine.2. Install a guest operating system in a virtual machine.3. Create a virtual machine on an iSCSI VMFS datastore.4. Import a virtual machine into the vCenter Server inventory.5. Identify a virtual machine’s disk format and usage statistics.6. Install VMware Tools into a virtual machine installed with a

Windows operating system.7. Enable time synchronization between a virtual machine and an

ESXi host.8. Copy class lab files to your virtual machine.

Module 2-29

Lesson Summary


Provision a virtual machine:• Create the virtual machine• Install the guest operating system into the virtual machine• Install VMware Tools into the guest operating system

Describe how to import a virtual appliance

Module 2-30

Lesson 3:Creating Templates and Clones


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Lesson Objectives


Create a template Deploy a virtual machine from a template Clone a virtual machine Allow guest operating system customization by vCenter Server

Module 2-32

What Is a Template?


A master copy of a virtual machine used to create and provision new virtual machinesAn image that typically includes a guest operating system, a set of applications, and a specific virtual machine configuration

Module 2-33

Creating a Template


Clone the virtual machine to a template. The virtual machine can either

be powered on or powered off.Convert the virtual machine to a template. The virtual machine must be

powered off.

Clone a template. Select the template in inventory

first.

Module 2-34

Viewing Templates


Two ways to view templates: Use the VMs and Templates inventory view. Use the Virtual Machines tab in the Hosts and Clusters inventory

view.

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Deploying a Virtual Machine from Template


To deploy a virtual machine, provide such information as virtual machine name, inventory location, host, datastore, and guest operating system customization data.

Module 2-36

Updating a Template


To update a template:1. Convert the

template to a virtual machine.

2. Place the virtual machine on an isolated network to prevent user access.

3. Make appropriate changes to the virtual machine.

4. Convert the virtual machine to a template.

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Cloning a Virtual Machine


Cloning is an alternative to deploying a virtual machine.A clone is an exact copy of the virtual machine.The virtual machine being cloned can either be powered on or powered off.

Module 2-38

Customizing the Guest Operating System


VMware recommends customization of a clone’s guest operating system to prevent software and network conflicts.During cloning or deploying from template, you have the option of running the Guest Customization wizard. The wizard lets you create a specification that you can use to

prepare the guest operating systems of virtual machines. Specifications can be stored in the database. You can edit specifications in the Customization Specifications

Manager.

Module 2-39

Deploying Virtual Machines Across Datacenters


Virtual machine deployment is allowed across datacenters. Clone a virtual

machine from one datacenter to another.

Deploy from a template in one datacenter to a virtual machine in a different datacenter.

Module 2-40

Lab 9


In this lab, you will deploy a virtual machine from a template and clone a virtual machine.1. Configure guest operating system customization on a vCenter

Server system.2. Create a template.3. Deploy a virtual machine from a template.4. Clone a virtual machine that is powered on.

Module 2-41

Lesson Summary


Create a template Deploy a virtual machine from a template Clone a virtual machine Allow guest operating system customization by vCenter Server

Module 2-42

Lesson 4:vCenter Converter


Module 2-43

Lesson Objectives


Describe the capabilities of vCenter Converter Import a system into vCenter Server Perform a hot clone

Module 2-44

vCenter Converter


vCenter Converter can import physical machines, virtual machines, and system images: Windows and Linux sources Hyper-V virtual machine sources A variety of third-party image formats

vCenter Converter can also export virtual machines for use in VMware hosted and managed products.vCenter Converter allows you to: Reduce time needed to set up new virtual machines Migrate legacy servers to new hardware without reinstallation Perform migrations across heterogeneous hardware Readjust volume sizes and place volumes on separate virtual

disks Migrate disks across independent datastores

Module 2-45

vCenter Converter Components


Module 2-46

vCenter Converter Requirements


Install vCenter Converter and the vCenter Converter client only on Windows operating systems.Allocate 525MB of disk space for vCenter Converter components: Server files, client files, agent files, and the installation file

For hot clones, vCenter Converter requires 350MB of memory on the source machine.vCenter Converter supports only pure IPv6 or IPv4 environments.Certain limitations exist when you convert powered-on machines, virtual machines, third-party virtual machines, or system images.

Module 2-47

Cloning


Cloning and system reconfiguration steps are used to create and reconfigure the virtual machine: Cloning – Copy the source physical disks for the destination

virtual machine. The destination virtual disk might not be an exact copy of the source disk.

System reconfiguration – Adjust the migrated operating system to enable it to function on virtual hardware.

vCenter Converter supports hot cloning: Hot cloning – Clone a source machine while the operating system

is running. The source machine can be accessed remotely.

Module 2-48

Remote Hot Cloning of a Windows System


VSS snapshot

source volume

powered-onWindowsmachine

vSphere Client with vCenter Converter

client plug-invCenter Server

with vCenter Converter

host

destinationsource

Stage 1: Preparing source machine for conversion

agent

vCenter Converter installs the agent on source machine.vCenter Converter agent takes a VSS snapshot of the source volume.

VSS snapshot

Stage 2: Preparing the virtual machine on the destination machine

vCenter Converter creates a new virtual machine on the destination machine.

VM

vCenter Converter agent copies data from the source to the destination.

volume

Stage 3: Completing the conversion process

vCenter Converter agent installs required drivers and performs the necessary steps to allow OS to boot.

customization opt.

vCenter Converter agent customizes the virtual machine (for example, changing IP information).

Stage 4: Cleaning up

vCenter Converter agent (optionally) removes all traces from the source system and/or destination VM.

reconfiguration

LAN

Module 2-49

Importing a Machine


vCenter Converter allows a number of sources: Powered-on machine VMware infrastructure virtual machine VMware Workstation or other VMware

virtual machine Backup image or third-party virtual

machine Hyper-V Server

vCenter Converter provides flexibility in defining the destination virtual machine: Select virtual machine name. Select destination datastore. Select virtual machine version.

Module 2-50

Import Machine Wizard Options (1)


Optional settings allow you to further define your destination virtual machine.

Select destination virtual machine folder.

Select from several options to copy data to destination.

Modify number of processors, amount of memory, or disk

controller.

Add network adapters or connect to different networks.

Module 2-51

Import Machine Wizard Options (2)


Stop service on source or change startup mode on destination.

Synchronize source and destination,

power off source or power on destination,

do postconversion processing

Control CPU and network resources during conversion.

Module 2-52

Changes to Virtual Hardware


Most applications function correctly.Watch for applications that depend on: Specific hardware characteristics Different serial numbers Software licensed to MAC addresses Special graphics cards

Module 2-53

Lab 10


In this lab, you will use vCenter Converter to create a virtual machine from an existing system.1. Install vCenter Converter.2. Configure vCenter Converter guest operating system customization.3. Install and enable the vCenter Converter plug-in.4. Prepare a system for hot cloning.5. Hot-clone a system.

Module 2-54

Lesson Summary


Describe the capabilities of vCenter Converter Import a system into vCenter Server Perform a hot clone

Module 2-55

Lesson 5:Modifying Virtual Machines


Module 2-56

Lesson Objectives


Describe virtual machine settings and options Add a hot-pluggable device Dynamically increase the size of a virtual disk Add a raw device mapping (RDM)

Module 2-57

Modifying Virtual Machine Settings


You can modify a virtual machine’s configuration in its Properties dialog box: Add virtual hardware.

• Some hardware can be added while the virtual machine is powered on.

Remove virtual hardware. Set virtual machine options. Control a virtual machine’s

CPU and memory resources.

Module 2-58

Hot-Pluggable Devices


Examples of hot-pluggable devices: USB controllers, Ethernet adapters, and hard disk devices.You can also add CPU and memory while the virtual machine is powered on.

Module 2-59

Dynamically Increasing a Virtual Disk’s Size


Dynamically increase a virtual disk from, for

example, 2GB to 20GB.

Format the new space within the guest operating

system.

Module 2-60

Creating an RDM


An RDM allows you to store virtual machine data directly on a LUN.The RDM is a file on a VMware vStorage VMFS datastore that points to the raw LUN.

Module 2-61

Virtual Machine Options


guest operating system type

VM directory

.vmx file location

VM display name

Module 2-62

Options: VMware Tools


When to run VMware Tools

scripts

Customize power button actions.

Update checks and time sync.

Module 2-63

Advanced: Boot Options


Advanced options rarely need to be set.

Delay power on.

Boot into BIOS.

Retry after failed boot.

Module 2-64

Lab 11


In this lab, you will modify a virtual machine’s hardware and add a raw LUN to a virtual machine.1. Increase the size of a VMDK file.2. Adjust memory allocation on a virtual machine.3. Rename a virtual machine in the vCenter Server inventory.4. Add a raw LUN to a virtual machine and verify that the guest

operating system can see it.5. Expand a thin-provisioned virtual disk.

Module 2-65

Lesson Summary


Describe virtual machine settings and options Add a hot-pluggable device Dynamically increase the size of a virtual disk Add an RDM

Module 2-66

Lesson 6:Managing Virtual Machines


Module 2-67

Lesson Objectives


Take a snapshot of a virtual machine and manage multiple snapshots

Remove a virtual machine from the vCenter Server inventory and completely from disk

Describe the types of migration Use VMware Storage vMotion to migrate a virtual machine

Module 2-68

Virtual Machine Snapshots


Snapshots allow you to preserve the state of the virtual machine so that you can return to the same state repeatedly.For example, if you are testing software, snapshots allow you to back out of these changes.

Module 2-69

Taking a Snapshot


You can take a snapshot while a virtual machine is powered on, powered off, or suspended.A snapshot captures the entire state of the virtual machine: Memory state, settings

state, and disk state

Module 2-70

Managing Snapshots


The Snapshot Manager lets you review all snapshots for the active virtual machine and act on them directly: Revert to a

snapshot. Delete one or

all snapshots.

Module 2-71

Virtual Machine Snapshot Files


A snapshot consists of a set of files: the memory state (.vmsn), the description file (-00000#.vmdk), and the delta file (-00000#-delta.vmdk).The snapshot list file (.vmsd) keeps track of the virtual machine’s snapshots.

Module 2-72

Managing Virtual Machines with vApp


A VMware vApp: Is a container for one or

more virtual machines Can be used to package and

manage related applications Is an object in the vCenter

Server inventory

Module 2-73

vApp Characteristics


You can configure a vApp: CPU and

memory allocation

IP allocation policy

Advanced settings

You can also configure the virtual machine startup and shutdown order.

Module 2-74

Removing a Virtual Machine


Two ways to remove a virtual machine: Remove a virtual machine from

the inventory.• The virtual machine’s files remain

on disk.• The virtual machine can later be

re-added to the inventory. Delete a virtual machine from

disk.• The virtual machine is removed

from the inventory, and its files are permanently deleted from disk.

Module 2-75

Migrating Virtual Machines


Migration – Moving a virtual machine from one host or datastore to another. Types of migrations: Cold – Migrate a virtual machine that is powered off. Suspended – Migrate a virtual machine that is suspended. VMware vMotion™ – Migrate a virtual machine that is powered

on. Storage vMotion – Migrate a virtual machine’s files, while the

virtual machine is powered on, to a different datastore.Concurrent migrations are possible: A host can be involved in up to two migrations with vMotion or

Storage vMotion at one time. A maximum of eight simultaneous vMotion, cloning, deployment,

or Storage vMotion accesses to a single VMFS-3 datastore is supported.

Module 2-76

Comparison of Migration Types


Migration type

VM power state

Change host/

datastore?Across

datacenters?Shared storage

required?CPU

compatibility?

Cold OffHost or

datastore or both

Yes NoDifferent CPU

families allowed

Suspended SuspendedHost or

datastore or both

Yes No

Must meet CPU

compatibility requirements

vMotion On Host No Yes

Must meet CPU

compatibility requirements

Storage vMotion On Datastore No No N/A

Module 2-77

Storage vMotion


Storage vMotion allows you to: Perform storage maintenance

and reconfiguration Redistribute storage load Evacuate physical storage

soon to be retired Perform storage tiering Upgrade VMware ESX™/ESXi

hosts without virtual machine downtime

Storage vMotion is storage-type independent. Source and destination can be

different storage types.

Module 2-78

Storage vMotion in Action


4

512

3

Module 2-79

Migrating Virtual Machines


You can use the Migrate Virtual Machine wizard to perform both hot and cold migrations.

vMotion

Storage vMotion

Function available when virtual machine

is powered off

Module 2-80

Storage vMotion Guidelines and Limitations


Guidelines: Plan and coordinate with administrators. Perform during off-peak hours. Ensure that source host has access both to source datastores and

target datastores.

Limitations: Virtual machines with snapshots cannot be migrated. Virtual machine disks must be in persistent mode or be RDMs. The virtual machine must be powered off to concurrently migrate to

another host and datastore.

Module 2-81

Lab 12


In this lab, you will perform several virtual machine management tasks.1. Unregister a virtual machine in the vCenter Server inventory.2. Register a virtual machine in the vCenter Server inventory.3. Unregister and delete virtual machines from disk.4. Take snapshots of a virtual machine.5. Revert to a snapshot.6. Migrate virtual machine files with Storage vMotion.

Module 2-82

Lesson Summary


Take a snapshot of a virtual machine and manage multiple snapshots

Remove a virtual machine from the vCenter Server inventory and completely from disk

Describe the types of migration Use Storage vMotion to migrate a virtual machine

Module 2-83

Key Points


You can use several methods to create a virtual machine. Choose the method that best fits your needs.

Deploying virtual machines from a template allows you to easily create many virtual machines.

vCenter Server provides useful features for provisioning virtual machines, such as templates, cloning, and vCenter Converter.

Virtual Machines

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