Installing vtAlpha on VMware requires some extra attention, since you have to deal with VM defaults and organizational procedures that are in place. This list helps you to plan ahead and clear obstacles prior to the installation day.
- Define suffient memory. VMware’s default for the virtual machine is 384 MB. vtAlpha requires 1.5 GB + the size of the virtual Alpha memory.
- Virtual CPU definition. Every virtual Alpha CPU needs one host CPU + some overhead. As a rule of thumb we recommend to multiply the number of virtual Alpha CPU’s by 1.5 (and round upwards).
- Use DVD for installation. vtAlpha can be installed from DVD or USB stick, but not all virtual machine products or versions support USB. Booting a virtual machine from a USB-stick is often prohibited at all. Therefore we recommend to use DVD, or even easier an .iso image of that DVD, to connect to the virtual machine and boot from that virtual DVD device. When using an iso-image make sure to deactivate the “connect to DVD at power on” or switch the VM settings back to physical DVD connect after installation, otherwise it will start the installation cycle again at next boot
- Ensure you have N+1 Ethernet adapters available in your virtual machine. N for the number of adapters you need in your virtual Alpha(s) and 1 extra to manage the vtAlpha host.
- Preparation meetings. Other than installing on a physical machine where you are in more direct control of the host system and have direct access to it, virtual machine environments require more careful planning and preparation. You have likely no access to the physical host of the virtual machine (where do I plug in my license key?) and you have to honor the (sometimes very strict) policies and procedures regarding network access and authorizations. We recommend to discuss the vtAlpha installation and requirements with the people responsible for the virtual machine and network environment prior to the installation event to avoid unscheduled delays.
- Ensure you have defined sufficient storage space: 20 GB + amount of GB for the data from the physical Alpha(s). Create a seperate 20 GB disk wherein you install vtAlpha and keep it seperate from your data disks. This way you can always upgrade or reinstall vtAlpha without affecting the Alpha data storage.
These suggestions also apply forvtAlpha installations on other Virtual Machine products.
We welcome other recommendations that make life easier.
The AVTware team.