Key facts
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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 vCenter Server 4.0 specifications
| CPU share value – High | 2000 per virtual CPU |
|---|---|
| CPU share value – Normal | 1000 per virtual CPU |
| Memory share value – Normal | 10 per MB of VM memory |
Source: VMware vSphere 4.0 Resource Management Guide (ESX, ESXi, vCenter Server)
All VMware vCenter Server 4.0 documents by type
Day-to-day operation, settings and troubleshooting. Start here if the product is already set up.
Mounting, wiring and first power-up. Read it before the hardware goes in.
- VMware ESXi 4.0 Embedded and vCenter Server 4.0 Installation Guide 96 p
- VMware ESXi Installable Installation Guide 28 p
- VMware ESXi 4.0 Embedded and vCenter Server 4.0 Installation Guide 106 p
- VMware ESX 4.0 and vCenter Server 4.0 Installation Guide 120 p
- VMware ESX 4.0 vCenter Server 4.0 Installation Guide 130 p
- VMware ESXi Embedded and vCenter Server 4.0 Installation Guide 108 p
- VMware ESXi 4.0 Installable and vCenter Server 4.0 Installation Guide 110 p
- VMware ESX 4.0 / ESXi 4.0 / vCenter Server 4.0 iSCSI SAN Configuration Guide 88 p
The shortest path to a working setup, usually only a few pages.
- vmware ESXiInstallableAndvCenterServer installation Service Manual Update 1 ESXi 4.0 Installable vCenter Server 4.0 Manual
- vmware optical fiber channel SAN service manual Update 1 ESX 4.0 ESXi 4.0 vCenter Server 4.0 Manual
- vmware ESXi Embedded Introduction Update 1 ESXi 4.0 Embedded vCenter Server 4.0 Manual
- vmware ESXi Installable Introduction Update 1 ESXi 4.0 Installable vCenter Server 4.0
- vmware VMware vSphere Service Manual Update 1 ESX 4.0 ESXi 4.0 vCenter Server 4.0 Manual
Questions answered in these manuals
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)
Where can I download the vCenter Server installation program?
The vCenter Server installer can be downloaded from the VMware website as described in the guide.
From: VMware ESXi 4.0 Embedded and vCenter Server 4.0 Installation Guide
How do I reset the ESXi system configuration?
Use the Reset System Configuration option in the Direct Console User Interface to reset ESXi settings.
From: VMware ESXi 4.0 Embedded and vCenter Server 4.0 Installation Guide
Where can I download the latest version of this ESXi configuration guide?
Visit the VMware support publications site at http://www.vmware.com/cn/support/pubs.
How do I configure a virtual switch in ESXi 4.0?
Use the vNetwork Standard Switch settings in the vSphere Client to create and manage virtual switches and port groups.
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.