VMWare, 2k3 Server, and RAM

[snootalope]

I typically use VMWare on a copy of Windows 2003 STANDARD edition (the only server edition we have licenses for). It's always worked just fine.. Now however, I have a case where I may need to use more than 4GB of RAM for two VM's running on a Windows 2003 Standard Edition. How's this work? Or does it even work...

Say between the two VM's I want to have 6GB of RAM. 4GB for one VM and 2GB for the other. Since the host OS doesn't support more than 4GB of RAM, does that mean it won't be available to my VM's?

Also, isn't there a VM server product now that can run without being installed on a Windows installation? Something that does nothing but run from DOS or maybe a very small *nix install? That'd sure be nice to free up the extra resources and dedicate them to the actual VM's.

Thanks for any info!

 

[Roadki11]

Correct, you cant access more ram than the host can access. So with w2k3 standard you are stuck at 4gig, well less really, about 3.6gig if remember correctly, vmware wont let allocate all ram to the guests it keeps a small amount for the host. you could upgrade to w2k3 enterprise, then you can access up to 64gig of ram, but enterprise isnt cheap. You can run vmware esx server which is a stand alone solution. You can run the free vmware server on linux also which i believe would allow you access as much ram as the linux box can access, dont know that for sure though never tried it.



RoadKi11

"This apparent fear reaction is typical, rather than try to solve technical problems technically, policy solutions are often chosen." - Fred Cohen

 

[snootalope]

yeah, that's what I figured about 2k3 standard. 4GB is hardly enough for anything these days! Sure hope they change that in server 2008.

Is the vmware esx server isn't free though right?

I'll have to look in to putting it on Linux I guess cause i doubt I can get the green light on purchasing Windows Enterprise..

 

[Roadki11]

Right, nothing free about vmware esx server, its even more costly than w2k3 enterprise server.



RoadKi11

"This apparent fear reaction is typical, rather than try to solve technical problems technically, policy solutions are often chosen." - Fred Cohen