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VMware ESX 4.0 Introduction Guide
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.
VMware ESX 4.0 specifications
| CPU Architecture | 64‑bit x86 |
|---|---|
| Minimum RAM | 2 GB |
| Supported Network Adapters | Broadcom NetXtreme 570x, Intel PRO 1000 |
| Supported SCSI Controllers | Adaptec Ultra‑160, Ultra‑320, LSI Logic Fusion‑MPT |
| Supported RAID Controllers | HP Smart Array, Dell PERC, IBM ServeRAID |
All VMware ESX 4.0 documents by type
Day-to-day operation, settings and troubleshooting. Start here if the product is already set up.
The shortest path to a working setup, usually only a few pages.
Mounting, wiring and first power-up. Read it before the hardware goes in.
Questions answered in these manuals
What are the minimum hardware requirements for installing ESX 4.0?
You need a server with 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.
How do I start the graphical installation of ESX?
Set the BIOS to boot from DVD, select the graphical installation option, accept the license agreement, and follow the on‑screen prompts.
What is resource management in vSphere?
Resource management is the process of allocating resources from providers to users, allowing dynamic redistribution to use capacity efficiently.
From: VMware vSphere 4.0 Resource Management Guide (ESX, ESXi, vCenter Server)
What are the minimum hardware requirements for installing ESX 4.0?
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.
How do I start the ESX installation using the graphical installer?
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.
Where can I download the latest version of this guide?
The latest technical documents can be downloaded from the VMware website at http://www.vmware.com/zh-cn/support/pubs.