This guide describes how to install, set up, and manage VMware ESX 4.0, including installing the ESX software, managing the first ESX host, and using vCenter Server to manage multiple hosts.
The ESX Introduction guide is aimed at Windows or Linux system administrators who are installing VMware ESX for the first time. It outlines the prerequisites, hardware requirements, and the basic inventory needed for a single‑host virtualized environment, and explains how to expand to a multi‑host setup with vCenter Server.
The document walks the reader through the graphical installation of ESX, network configuration, optional driver installation, licensing, and the creation of virtual machines. It also points to additional VSphere tutorials and documentation for advanced configuration and large‑scale deployments. This manual is written in Chinese.
| CPU Architecture | 64‑bit x86 |
|---|---|
| Minimum RAM | 2 GB |
| Supported SCSI Controllers | Adaptec Ultra‑160/320, LSILogic Fusion‑MPT |
ESX 4.0 requires a 64‑bit x86 CPU, at least 2 GB of RAM, and a supported network adapter such as Broadcom NetXtreme 570x or Intel PRO 1000.
Set the server to boot from DVD in the BIOS, select the graphical installation option, accept the license agreement, and follow the on‑screen prompts.
When selecting the ESX service console network adapter, choose the option to assign a VLAN ID and enter a value between 0 and 4095.
Open the vSphere Client, select the host, click the Create New Virtual Machine wizard, choose a typical configuration, specify the VM name, storage, and guest OS, then finish the wizard.