Paul Braren's “Build Your Own VMware ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V lab at Home, using Commodity Hardware” presentation replay from Saturday March 10th
This really is a lab project/learning exercise, where I document what works well for me, and for many other site visitors. Feedback through comments below are always appreciated!
Here's a list of articles/references I mentioned during or shortly after the presentation:
- My energy consumption calculations,
www.electricity-usage.com/Electricity-Usage-Calculator.aspx?Device=&Watts=650&CostPerKWH=0.18&HoursPerDay=24 - My RAID adapter,
TinkerTry.com/whylsi9265-8i - My Laptop and Gaming machines,
TinkerTry.com/zilla - Configuring USB 3.0 pass through,
TinkerTry.com/usb3passthru - Aero and Sound,
TinkerTry.com/enable-windows7-aero-for-remote-desktop-connection-to-vms - and USB 2.0,
TinkerTry.com/esxicloningsoundusb
To those of you who were in the audience, for for anybody reading this really, I should clarify a few important points:
a) you are responsible for following all EULA/licensing restrictions for your circumstances, but also know that the free ESXi Hypervisor download does everything I showed you
b) if you are a bit squeemish about trial and error with build your own hardware, and prefer a known-good solution that matches this comprehensive article with video walk through:
TinkerTry.com/vsphere5-install-step-by-step
you're likely better off going with the exact, known-good parts list at TinkerTry.com/vzilla.
c) VMware, Microsoft, and I cannot support you in any official way on your home-made creation.
Here's the video, enjoy!
April 15 2012 Update: Video playback of the live presentation now available here:
vimeo.com/38746377
but the YouTube video above is a lot easier to follow, where I re-recorded the entire event, mixed with new crystal clear HD footage. I also added a look at ESXi 5.0 running Windows 8 Consumer Preview (with Aero & Sound), and Windows Server 8 Hyper V. This new video is a mix of new footage that is clearer than the live presentation, with much improved audio. I also answer most of the great questions the live audience had asked me.
March 10 10:07pm Update:
That was a fun day, with seats full and great questions!
Click to view PDF Version of the PowerPoint Presentation (or scroll down below)
Original Speaker Announcement Here:
Build Your Own VMware ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V lab at Home, using Commodity Hardware
March 10 8:35am Update:
Room for 70 people in here, I secured permission from Tim Mangan, and Microsoft's Dan Stolts, to broadcast my presentation live, and have now tested I have adequate bandwidth to support it!
As seen in my video, yes, of course I can run OS/2 Warp 3.0! A nice way to look back in time, nearly 2 decades ago.
“Nested” Windows sure start fast! OS/2 Warp introduction on Computer Chronicles (1995)
These systems still work great for many even 9+ years later, mine included, even with (unsupported) vSphere 8 and Windows 11 Version 21H2. But unless you added the optional TPM module, it may be the end of the line as far as repurposing them for running the latest Windows 11 Version 24H2 and beyond.