openSUSE Documentation
Part II. Administration / Chapter 10. Virtual Machine Server
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Chapter 10. Virtual Machine Server

Contents

10.1. System Requirements
10.2. Benefits of Virtual Machines
10.3. Terminology
10.4. Virtual Machine Modes
10.5. Virtual Machine Server
10.6. Setting up the Virtual Machine Server
10.7. Creating Virtual Machines
10.8. Managing Virtual Machines

openSUSE™ 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.

10.1. System Requirements

VM Server Component

Requirement

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 openSUSE, add the amount of memory required for all planned virtual machines.

Disk Space Required

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

Operating Systems for Virtual Machines

VM Server can host the current openSUSE in paravirtualized mode. 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

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