Being a Linux newbie (keep that in mind while reading and go easy on me with the comments) I decided that it was time to try out Ubuntu 6.10 and get my feet wet. As a Microsoft Windows user since Windows for Workgroups (remember that?) , I decided that there were more desktop O.S. options on the table that needed to be explored.
Enter Ubuntu. The Ubuntu 6.10 install went perfect except for a few issues with my ATI AGP video card. (We all know about the ATI driver issues right?) That was remedied relatively quickly. Not satisfied with the pre-installed apps that came with Ubuntu I decided to see what else was available.
Ah Ha! Enter Vmware. Vmware sounded great. I can run multiple operating systems in a virtual window on Ubuntu? Wow! I was psyched and ready to begin. After downloading the Vmware server software to Ubuntu I was ready to begin. Without getting into details I ran the command from a terminal window with sudo and bam my install began.
This was easy I thought, as the install chugged happily along. Then it happened. Error after error. No “make” command available. Missing “C compiler.” Missing “needed library files.” What happened to my nice little install? It failed miserably.
By some miracle and the awesome folks at Ubuntu.com I was able to correct my errors, load the needed compilers, libraries, headers, etc. and complete the Vmware install. I felt as if I had been through a war, and I won. Yes victory was mine! “You will not beat me Vmware!”, I proclaimed victoriously.
I proceeded to start the Vmware server. Much to my surprise it actually loaded. I began to run through the options and started to build my first virtual server. Well, after a few tries of Vmware not recognizing the bootable O.S. disk I decided to call it a night and regroup the next day.
The next day I was fresh and ready to do battle with virtualization. Victory would be mine once again I thought. Upon booting Ubuntu everything looked good. I started Vmware. I started Vmware. I said, I started Vmware. Vmware did not start. It gave me that, “I want to start but I can’t because my libraries and headers, etc. just got all changed overnight by Linux gremlins” look.
That was it. I had enough of Vmware. I finally had it tweaked and running and then it just won’t start? What the heck is that!? This was very disappointing. I was starting to feel as if perhaps Ubuntu and Vmware were not going to be as easy to master as I thought.
Bottom line: I will regroup and get this running if it kills me. Vmware is not for Linux beginners and requires a great deal of configuration to get it running correctly or running at all for that matter. Perhaps it has to due with the Edgy release of Ubuntu although Vmware claims that it is fully supported on Ubuntu 6.x. Vmware looks like a great product (also free) which would allow you to drop your dual boot Windows/Linux setup for a straight Linux boot and virtualize your Windows applications. Now if it were just a bit easier to install. Any suggestions? (c) 2006 ElectroGeek.com
Technorati Tags: linux, ubuntu, vmware, edgy, unbuntu 6.10 edgy eft, windows, virtualization
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You could have probably found all the libraries/packages you needed to correctly install and run VMWare by going to synaptic then finding the VMware package, right clicking on it and installing all the suggested+recommended packages.
if you want vmplayer, it comes automatically with automatix. the website is getautomatix.com. vmplayer is the free version of vmware, and has lesser abilities. also automatix has other things including an easy java install etc etc. it literally makes something that may take hours into seconds. it even includes non free codecs, however those are illegal to install in the u.s.a. with out paying a fee. may the tux be with you.
I did try vmplayer using automatix first but it did not run after the install. I believe it needed a C compiler and the MAKE app to complete the install. These didn’t get installed with Ubuntu intitially for some reason.
Hi Felipe, I tried that as well but that didn’t work either. Now I believe I need to do a full uninstall/reinstall. I have that planned for Monday. It shouldn’t be this difficult should it?
You should take a look at the UBUNTU forums.
First the “perfect Ubunty edgy server” (because you need Apache running for the VM ware monitoring web app).
Next look up the “Ubuntu VM ware server” step for step how to.
You can’t fail.