Chapter 23. Virtual Machine Server

Contents

23.1. System Requirements
23.2. Benefits of Virtual Machines
23.3. Terminology
23.4. Virtual Machine Modes
23.5. Virtual Machine Server
23.6. Setting up the Virtual Machine Server
23.7. Creating Virtual Machines
23.8. Managing Virtual Machines

SUSE Linux includes virtual machine technology that allows a single computer to run as a virtual machine server (VM Server). A VM Server can host one or more virtual machines (VMs).

[Note]Note

This section contains introductory information and basic setup instructions for virtual machine technology. For the most current and comprehensive information about virtualization, see Novell VM Server Technology.

This section includes:

23.1. System Requirements

VM Server Component

Requirement

Software Packages

VM Server requires the following software packages and their dependencies.

  • kernel-xen

  • xen

  • xen-tools

  • xen-tools-ioemu (This package is required for hardware-assisted full-virtualization mode.)

  • kernel-xenpae (Used instead of kernel-xen, this package enables 32-bit computers to use physical address extensions to access memory over 4GB.)

Computer Type and CPU

VM Server can run VM-aware operating systems on computers with x86 32-bit or 64-bit architectures.

VM Server can run VMs in full virtualization mode only on computers that support hardware-assisted virtualization, such as Intel VT or AMD Virtualization.

Memory Required

In addition to the memory required for SUSE Linux, add the amount of memory required for all planned virtual machines.

Disk Space Required

In addition to the disk space required for SUSE Linux, additional disk space might be required, depending on the needs of each VM.

Operating Systems for Virtual Machines

VM Server can host the following VM-aware operating systems in paravirtual mode:

  • SUSE Linux 10.1

  • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10

  • SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10

With hardware-assisted virtualization, VM Server provides a full virtual environment that can host most popular operating systems.

If the VM Server is running kernel-xenpae to access memory above 4 GB, the VM operating systems must also be PAE enabled.

Device Drivers for the Virtual Machine Environment

On hardware-assisted virtual machines, the following devices are emulated and require native OS drivers:

  • Network card: AMD PCNet, NE2000

  • Disk drive: IDE

  • Graphics card: VESA-compliant VGA, Cirrus Logic GD5446

  • Input: PS/2 mouse and keyboard

  • Sound: Creative Sound Blaster 16, ENSONIQ ES1370