Microsoft Virtual Server
Microsoft Virtual Server is a virtualization software which enables the administration and access to multiple virtual machines.
Overview
Similar to the Windows Virtual PC is a complete runtime environment for the guest OS is made available, without this impact on the host OS has. This allows the operation of multiple operating systems on a server.
Microsoft Virtual Server enables However, unlike Windows Virtual PC is a direct connection to the guest systems, without going through the host OS. In Virtual Server 2005 R2 is a hybrid virtualization solution. This means that the VMM (Virtual Machine Monitor ) running parallel to the host operating system.
There are 2 different editions:
- Virtual Server 2005 Standard Edition
- Virtual Server 2005 Enterprise Edition
System
The minimum requirements are for Virtual Server 2005 R2:
- Processor: Pentium III, Athlon with 550 MHz or higher (1.0 GHz recommended)
- Memory: 256 MB
- Host operating system: Windows Server 2003
- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition
- Windows XP Professional ( SP2 or later ) - not for production environments!
Since Server 2005 R2 SP1 and hardware virtualization ( Native Virtualization ) from Intel ( Intel VT) and AMD (AMD -V) is supported.
Virtual Server can be obtained free of charge from the Microsoft website. Each guest operating system installed must be licensed separately again.
Basics
Virtual disk
To install a guest operating system, it is necessary to create a virtual hard disk. The file format was to Virtual Hard Disk, vhd with the file extension. Called. These disks can be created a dynamic size with either a fixed or. In the dynamic size when generating only the maximum size is set, which must not exceed the container file. In the fixed size, the file is given exactly as big as when creating - and it does not matter whether it is actually filled with data or not.
Configuration file
The second most important is probably the configuration file that is created for each virtual server. This file parameters such as memory, network configurations, name, etc. are stored. The configuration file has the extension vmc and can be viewed with any text editor and open. The file is in XML format, so a reader, which supports the XML format is preferable.
Administration
Both disk and configuration file are managed through a web interface, which runs on Microsoft IIS web server. However, there is also the possibility of a virtual "remote" to manage server system. In the administration interface, the configuration file can be edited, it can be installed Microsoft Virtual Server Add- ins, scripts are executed, and many other settings.
In addition, here also the virtual disks are managed as well as drives and network connections of the host OS to the guest OS "connected".
Virtual Machine Remote Control Client
Similar to a RDP connection is controlled via the RSC the guest OS. This adapts to the resolution of the host OS. Using the Virtual Machine Server Add-Ins, a seamless operation is possible, for example, the mouse in the guest as well as in the host can be used without switching. There are always a host key ( can be adjusted ), with which one can again "jump" from the guest OS to the host OS (if something gets stuck or if you want to get out of the full screen mode [host Enter ] ).
Properties
- Cluster aware since SP1 Beta
- Ability to define differential reference drives (saves disk space and speeds setup of the virtual server)
- Available free of charge upon registration
- It can not support 64 -bit operating systems are installed on the virtual servers - even if the host is a 64- bit system and runs the 64 - bit version of Virtual Server. This can only Hyper- V, the sequel to Virtual Server, Windows Server 2008.
Migration Tool
2006 presents the Virtual Server 2005 Migration Toolkit Microsoft. This physical servers to virtual environments can migrate.