HowTo Install VMware Server 2 in an openSUSE 11.0, 11.1 Host [plus enabling USB support]
Version: this page is for openSUSE 11.0 and 11.1 with VMware Server version 2.0.1. This page is now superceded. If you want the current technology, openSUSE 11.2 with VMware Server 2.0.2, that's dealt with on the updated page.
Are you thinking "I can't decide between VMware workstation and VMware server". It's a no-brainer for most users who would be reading this page because you probably want to install a Windows or Linux workstation (the Guest) in your openSUSE workstation. Well for those purposes VMware Server is pretty much the same as VMware workstation. They both install Windows or Linux Guests equally easily. One major difference is that "Server" is free where "Workstation" costs near $200. But look a little deeper and you'll see that Server can also do the following that Workstation cannot: Run as a service, Launch VMs at boot time, Access by multiple users.
Preparations
The following packages are assumed to be already installed: kernel-source, make, gcc, gcc-c++. Missing items can be installed in Yast --> Software Management. You can check whether they are installed by opening a console window and entering this command:
You can download the VMware Server RPM package on this link. Don't install it at this stage, just save it. The package I used last is VMware-server-2.0.1-156745.x86_64.rpm but as time passes the version number will increase from 2.0.1. Do not use a version lower than 2.0.0.
You will need your software key later so register during the download procedure and the key will be emailed to you.
Open a console, enter su to get rootly powers, change to directory /usr/src/linux and prepare the scene for configuring VMware:
Install VMware Server
Right click on package VMware-server-2.x.y-zzzzzz.abcd.rpm and select "install with Yast".
Patch the Setup Configuration Script
There's a flaw in the configuration script vmware-config.pl which is installed from the RPM. You will run this script in the next section titled "Configure VMware". It sets up custom configurations for VMware in your host machine. If you run the script without patching it you will see this message during the run:
I've put the text for the patch on this hyperlink. Open the link and copy the text into a text file called vmware.config.pl.patch.txt. Put the file into directory /usr/bin. Backup the flawed script with this command:
Finally, patch the flawed script with this command:
Now you can proceed with the configuration, see next section.
Configure VMware
Open a console, enter su to become root and then enter the command: /usr/bin/vmware-config.pl to begin the process.
You will be asked to accept the licence agreement. Press enter and the space bar to scroll through and enter q at the end to quit. At this point the actual configuration starts and in most cases you can accept the defaults.
Tip: if you want your "Guest" operating systems to join your LAN, share resources over the LAN (including share with the "Host" Suse machine) and also connect to the Internet through the LAN's router, then choose "Bridged" for the networking option.
Tip: when asked the question "Please specify the user whom you wish to be the VMware Server administrator", I chose my username. If you choose root, you will run into permissions problems when you want to change the configuration parameters (like virtual RAM) for a virtual machine.
Tip: If asked "Do you want this program to try to build the vmmon module for your system?", then answer "yes"
Tip: If told that there's a difference between various "gcc" modules and then asked if you want to proceed anyway, you should answer "yes".
Finally, after entering the software key, you should get this sort of message "The configuration of VMware Server 2.x.y build-zzzzzz for Linux for this running kernel completed successfully" and you can then exit.
Starting VMware
You can set VMware to start at boot by configuring it as a Service in Yast --> System --> System Services (Runlevel). Enable vmware in the the "Service" list, leaving the other vmware services alone. In "Expert" mode, vmware is set to runlevels 2, 3 and 5 and the other vmware-related services aren't set for any runlevels.
You must also stop the four vmware services (that you see in Yast's System Services [Runlevel]) from running concurrently at boot time. They are supposed to run consecutively. Edit the file /etc/sysconfig/boot and find the line RUN_PARALLEL="yes". Change yes to no. That will cause the startup scripts to run consecutively.
However if you don't want VMware perpetually on as a service, then do not set any runlevels for VMware scripts as in the paragraphs above. Instead you can start it when you need it with this command in a console:
sudo /etc/init.d/vmware startOpening the VMware Control Panel (Console)
You create, start and control your virtual machines in a console that displays in a web browser. In late 2008 I could only get the console to work in Firefox. Now, in April 09 it works OK for me in Firefox, Konqueror, Seamonkey & IE6_4_Linux. Enter either of these addresses into your browser's address bar: http://127.0.0.1:8222 or the secure address https://127.0.0.1:8333. Log in and follow the bouncing ball.
If you receive a message in Firefox 3.x telling you that the Remote Control Plugin is not installed and advising you to download it on a link titled "Install Plugin", just click and follow the bouncing ball to install the plugin.
Disk Space
Don't forget that a virtual hard drive will be created for each virtual machine that you create. Make provisions before you create the machines or you could fill up a partition unexpectedly. I installed Windows 2000 Pro for everyday use because one doesn't have to go through that incredibly irritating Microsoft activation nonsense with Win2K. Pop an install CD in the drive and have a good one!
USB Support
If your USB devices don't present themselves in the drop-down list at the top of the Management Console in the web browser, you can activate USB support as follows:Finished: Yahoo
Be well - Swerdna May 2006
Last update New Years Day 2010