Chapter 1. Introduction to VMware vSphere

This chapter covers all the basics of the vSphere architecture, virtualization, an introduction to hypervisors, and virtual infrastructure.

We will cover the following topics:

  • Understanding the need for, and use of vSphere and how it differs from other common hypervisors
  • Understanding ESXi and modes of management
  • History of ESXi
  • Different types of vSphere installations: Auto Deploy, fresh installation, and upgrade
  • Introduction to virtual infrastructure: virtual machines, disks, CPUs, memory, switches, network, and storage

Let us start with understanding the virtualization philosophy. Virtualization is the separation of a resource or request for a service from the underlying physical delivery of that service. ...

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