Good linux as guest for VMware Workstation?

[lolvmware]

I am using Ubuntu on my desktop because it's the most easy linux I know. But I have also computers with Windows as host operating system.

Sometimes when I am on Windows I need some linux tools. Therefore I have VMware Workstation. Normal Ubuntu inside VMware runs not so smooth.

Basically I need only a stripped down linux with support for the standard hardware VMware offers (no overhead like bluetooth and such), GNOME and the packetmanagers apt-get and synaptic to install further software. It would be pretty good if the linux for the virtual machine would have been optimized (for RAM, CPU and whatever) for use in the virtual machine, preinstalled VMware tools would be a goodie.

Can you advise a linux distribution for this needs?

[Dave_Mishchenko]

Your post has been moved to the VMware Workstation forum

Dave Mishchenko

VMware Communities User Moderator

[dwight]

There is a version of Ubuntu server called JeOS (http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu/serveredition/jeos) that is designed for use in a virtual machine.

RHCE, VCP

Blog: http://computing.dwighthubbard.info

[lolvmware]

Can you really recommend that or is this just somethign you post?

I don't have good experiences with that version. The normal install cd has an error and exists to busybox. And on a preinstalled image apt-get install gnome isn't working.

[birdie]

What are the exact linux tools you need?

You may use freely Windows Services for UNIX Version OR/AND CygWin.

As for the distro - I would recommend using VirtualBox VM and Sidux.

[lolvmware]

Some tools exclusivly availble for linux.

[HabsFan]

I agree with the previous post that it really does depend on your specific needs but if you are just looking for any Linux I would recommend CentOS. I've been running a CentOS VM for a year now - it plays well with Workstation.

[IamTHEvilONE]

There will be some good stuff from 6.5 :

http://www.vmware.com/products/beta/ws/releasenotes_ws65_beta.html#new_os

32-bit and 64-bit CentOS 5.0-5.2 as host and guest operating systems

For sake of 6.0.x:

Ubuntu 7.xx desktop works fine by me on a Dell d630 laptop.

EvilOne

1 - Check the documents

2 - Search the forums

3 - Post Question

And remember to award points to those who assist you.

[dwight]

I use Ubuntu JeOS for about 8 VMs running under VMware Server and VMware Workstation and have not had any issues with it.

RHCE, VCP

Blog: