SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8

Support

This guest operating system is supported on the following VMware products:

• VMware Workstation 4.0, 4.0.1, 4.0.2, 4.0.5, 4.5, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 5.0
• VMware ACE
• VMware GSX Server 3.0, 3.1, 3.2
  Service Pack 3 supported on GSX Server 3.2
• VMware ESX Server 2.0, 2.0.1, 2.1, 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.5, 2.5.1
  Service Pack 3 supported on ESX Server 2.5, 2.5.1
  Virtual SMP supported

  Note: If you are installing a guest operating system through VMware VirtualCenter, be sure it is supported under the VMware product - ESX Server or GSX Server - on which you are running the virtual machine.

General Installation Notes

Be sure to read General Guidelines for All VMware Products as well as this guide to installing your specific guest operating system.

The easiest method of installing SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 (SLES 8) in a virtual machine is to use the standard SuSE distribution CDs. The notes below describe an installation using the standard distribution CD; however, installing SLES 8 via the boot floppy/network method is supported as well. If your VMware product supports it, you may also install from a PXE server.

Before installing the operating system, be sure that you have already created and configured a new virtual machine.

Installation Steps

1. Insert the SLES 8 installation CD in the CD-ROM drive.
2. Power on the virtual machine to start installing SLES 8.
3. Follow the installation steps as you would for a physical machine until you get to the selection screens described in the next steps.
4. Part way through the installation, the installer reboots the virtual machine. At the LILO screen, let the boot proceed using the default selection of linux.
5. At the Desktop Settings screen, select 640x480 256 colors.
6. Finish installing SLES 8 as you would on a physical machine.

This completes basic installation of the SLES 8 guest operating system.

VMware Tools

Be sure to install VMware Tools in your guest operating system. For details, see the manual for your VMware product or follow the appropriate link in the knowledge base article at www.vmware.com/support/kb/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=340.

Enabling Sound After Installing SLES 8

VMware GSX Server: The sound device is disabled by default and must be enabled with the virtual machine control panel (VM > Settings) after the operating system has been installed. To set up the virtual machine to play sound, see Configuring Sound in the GSX Server documentation.

Known Issues

Guest Screen Saver

VMware Workstation or VMware GSX Server: On a Linux host with an XFree86 3.x X server, it is best not to run a screen saver in the guest operating system. Guest screen savers that demand a lot of processing power can cause the X server on the host to freeze.