warning: My PC may be sick

[jim-ratliff]

Installing the virtual software on the host is straightforward, same as installing any other software.?
Creating a new virtual machine is equally simple, you tell the new virtual machine to boot off the CD and it's just like booting on real hardware.
Networking options are pretty much the same as you have now, the Virtual Monitor manages the network card and virtualizes it to the virtual machines so that each thinks it has a real network card.

However, at least with VMWare you also have the option of "migrating" an existing hardware system to a virtual machine host.? You don't have to reload or rebuild anything, it just moves it to the new host platform.

The program Paul is using on his Mac is "Parallels" and cost $70-80 here.? Corporately, we use VMWare ESX (a Linux based pay product) and VMWare Server (a free product that runs under Windows server).? We typically have 3-5 virtual machines running on each of 3 host servers, but some of the virtual machines are small ones like the BlackBerry server and the timesheet server.

[Svend]

This is looking better all the time.  I really must take the time to check this out before pulling the trigger on the new machines.  I've used Macs at my in-laws, and both my brothers have them -- they are just so sophisticated that they make XP look like a dowdy old hag.  Nice stuff....

Thanks for the insight, Jim!

[jim-ratliff]

Svend:  OK, I apologize for my blond ponce comments.  Maybe such stereotypes aren't completely fair (or even accurate).   

You are welcome if it helps. 

We aren't using any Mac's, but virtualization has worked well for us as far as eliminating the headaches of rebuilding Windows servers and the expecially frustrating tendency that Windows Server has of one applications hosing other applications installed on that same server.  I had always wondered why Microsoft seemed to recommend a dedicated server for most of their applications -- I began to understand a few years back.

[Svend]

Er, OK Jim...apology accepted, but not really necessary.? Not sure what brought on your repentant mood this morning, as I didn't take offense in the first place (just feigned being hurt and wounded)? ? Hey, this forum is full of barbs and jabs -- what would I be if I were to whine and cry at every little thing?

Cheers, and thanks again for the advice.? Seems there are no more roadblocks to getting a Mac....sweet!

Actually, it was more of an indirect compliment at your technical depth and comprehension.? I didn't think you took any offence at the original conversation, and we're all pretty good about the barbs being good natured.? I was looking to inject a humorous note back into a thread that I am sure had most people's eyes glazing over with boredom, and a "pseudo apology" seemed in keeping with the initial "pseudo castigation".? ?