VMworld.com: Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization ...

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10 Replies Last post: Sep 4, 2008 11:30 AM by Russ Becker

Katherine Kimmons

6 posts since
Aug 8, 2008

Aug 22, 2008 2:30 PM

Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

I AM SOOOO EXCITED ABOUT ATENDING THE CONFERENCE

...however, after looking through the sessions, I feel a overwhelmed. i am extremely new to virtualization and hope to get a set of skills, which will allow me to administer a VMWARE ESX 3.5 server at my job. I installled the server with 2 processors, 16gb of memory,and 600 gb hard drive space. Currently, we use it as a sand box. I was hoping that someone could guide/mentor me through which courses, breakout, and or labs would be most effective for me to attend. This will be my first conference. HIP HIP HOORAY

better yet hopefully someone is just starting off just like me and we could be buddies during the conference..being ~I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO ANYTHING THIS BIG BEFORE~~

I look forward to hearing from you all

ericni25

89 posts since
Sep 10, 2007

1. Aug 22, 2008 7:05 PM

in response to: Katherine Kimmons

Re: Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

You can check out some of the online sessions for 07 and get a feel for the level of the sessions. Many of the 08 sessions are similar in their content and intensity level. So that should give you a sense of the type of content you will see and can sign up for.

Make sure you schedule your labs now, they fill up pretty quickly and use schedule builder to get your sessions booked when you are ready. All the sessions will be streaming with audio after the conference so you don't have to worry if you skip something or don't get in. Your account will give you access to all the vmworld session, including the Europe ones as well.

Don't miss the party, it's really spectactular, stop vmword.com next week and see some new stuff we are doing at the community booth. There will be a twitter, photo contest, tshirts and games rolling out next week as well.

Enjoy and stop by community booth and say hello.

Eric

Katherine Kimmons

6 posts since
Aug 8, 2008

2. Aug 27, 2008 9:09 AM

in response to: ericni25

Re: Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

Thxs....

I am registering late ..my job is in the process of cutting the check. I have faith I will be ok for the labs i want..I am banking on people cancelling. I have been looking over the last year's conferences. I have a question for you do you think vi editor is hard to learn if you have no linux skills?

Kat

kirks

11 posts since
Sep 10, 2007

3. Aug 27, 2008 9:27 AM

in response to: Katherine Kimmons

Re: Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

Google around a bit for vi tutorials. It takes a long time to master vi (I never did), but not very long to get the basics for opening, creating, editing and saving files. I can't imagine you'd need to really use vi's advanced features.

-Kirk

Katherine Kimmons

6 posts since
Aug 8, 2008

4. Aug 27, 2008 9:46 AM

in response to: kirks

Re: Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

Cool thxs..i will do!

Kat

wesleya

3 posts since
Sep 10, 2007

5. Aug 27, 2008 4:17 PM

in response to: Katherine Kimmons

Re: Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

Hi there,

This will be my 2nd conference where last year was the gathering info phase this year will be learning about the system ,etc. I've got myself enrolled in Lab01 and Lab02 on Monday. Try and get yourself into a lab =D

There's currently a Canadian contingent that's planning to meet up so if you're lucky enough to fly in on Sunday or Monday, we're going to try and get together =D

Regards,

WES

kirks

11 posts since
Sep 10, 2007

6. Aug 28, 2008 8:56 AM

in response to: wesleya

Re: Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

It's my second VMWorld as well. Last year going into VMWorld, my only experience with VMWare was with Workstation and Player. Since then I've been personally responsible for implementing a SAN (iSCSI), deploying two physical VMWare ESX servers w/Virtual Center, and virtualizing 15 physical servers. It's been quite a journey. I'm in the process of adding more physical hardware (to support more VMs), deploying a DR site (another SAN and VMWare ESX Server) and planning for expansion of our SAN.

One of my recommendations after last year was that they have a track for people new to VMWare, and I'd like to think I'm personally responsible for the VMWare 101 track (humor me!).

Go to as many breakouts as you can, and start reading the VMTN forums. They've been invaluable for me. My regret after the first year was that I didn't spend enough time in the Solutions Exchange, which is a great way to get exposure to the many vendors of hardware and software that makes this whole process easier.

Promising myself that I'd allocate more time for the Solutions Exchange this year, I started making my schedule... And found that I've only got about 1 free hour during the week between sessions, other than the welcome reception.

Oh well! Too many good breakouts to choose from. I'll be virtualizing Exchange and SQL within the next six to eight months, so I need those. I want to improve performance and tighten security, so I need those. Two labs. Microsoft related stuff...keynotes, and bam. I'm booked.

Soak in what you can, understand you can't possibly do/see it all, and try to have fun along the way!

Brenda Lapp

2 posts since
Aug 15, 2008

7. Sep 3, 2008 11:34 AM

in response to: Katherine Kimmons

Re: Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

I'm a newbie to VMware too. I've signed up for several of the 101 track sessions. Perhaps we'll run into each other at some of them. I arrive in Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon. On Monday I'm attempting to get in some labs - I'm on the waitlist for one and scheduled for another. Otherwise I'll work one the self-paced labs if they are available.

See you there.

Katherine Kimmons

6 posts since
Aug 8, 2008

8. Sep 3, 2008 4:01 PM

in response to: Katherine Kimmons

Re: Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

Here is my schedule. I keep changing it everyday...lol.. There is so much I want to know. So send me yours..

Chat with you soon!

Kat

Attachments:

VMworld_2008.csv (3.3 K)

Eric Siebert

1 posts since
May 6, 2008

9. Sep 4, 2008 8:46 AM

in response to: Katherine Kimmons

Re: Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

For those new to VMware my website has many good resources for you that will help get you started. VMworld is a fantastic resource but can be overwhelming with all the things to see and do there. One of the best things you can do there is network with other users and share their knowledge and experience. If you miss some sessions and labs don't worry, the audio and slides will be posted shortly after the conference is over for you to review at your leasure. If you're looking for some personalized help also check out the lounges where many expert users, vendors and VMware employees will be who can help you with specific questions or challenges that you might have. A bunch of us from the Vmtn forums will also be doing a Q&A session (PO1861) where users can get answers to any questions that they might have. See you there.

Eric Siebert
http://vmware-land.com

Russ Becker

2 posts since
Sep 10, 2007

10. Sep 4, 2008 11:31 AM

in response to: Katherine Kimmons

Re: Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

Last year was my first VMWorld, and I was in the same boat. New to virtualization and VMware. Just changed jobs and had to get up to speed fast. You'll have a great time. But you'll also go home with a lot of info, and it might take a few weeks to digest it all. One thing I know is you'll be pumped up by all the options and opportunities you'll see. Enjoy.

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Aug 22, 2008 2:30 PM

Newbie to VMWARE and virtualization

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