esx server or VSphere

[R_J1]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to using VMware. I am looking to start getting practice using VMware. The question I would like to ask, should I start off using vsphere or esx server. Also, what are the best books and any other documentations or information that can be offer for a beginner? Does anyone know of any labs that can be rented for practicing virtualization? I do have a server administrator back ground loading and configuring server but never been in an environment where I had to use VMware. Thanks for your help.

RJ

[vSolid]

Dear RJ

Let me say to you welcome in Virtualization world and we love to give hand to have to you need and share the knowledge

If you are looking for something that can really help check this web site and try to search and download all video for vShpere

http://www.trainsignal.com/VMware-Training.aspx

it’s will give you full picture about what you need

BR

[vSolid]

RJ, the vShpere consider more as commercial name

ESX=ESXi=vShere   all of them are same producate

[AndreTheGiant]

As written the vSphere is the name of the suite.

The free VMware Hypervisor (previous called free ESXi) could be the starting point to understand how virtualization works.

Andre

[kmriaz]

Hello RJ

I second . Trainsignal it the easiest way to gain knowledge on vSphere. vSphere is the commercial name and it is more or less like a suite which includes

ESX4 - Full featured OS

ESXi 4 - Slimmed version of ESX4

ESXi 4 Free - Free version. No cost @ all.

and some utilities too.

The components included depends on the licensing you opt for. Welcome to the VMware family and I am sure you will enjoy your trip with VMware. I am also new; learning with the help of TrainSignal DVD's and also with support from this community.

Many thanks

Riaz