Most recent edit on 2010-03-27 09:51:47 by EdDurrant

Additions:
Version 1.2 - 27th. March 2010 - removed incorrect screen shot - system should be configured as Modern ACPI hardware NOT Virtual Machine in pre-boot menu.

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Edited on 2010-02-02 09:40:44 by EdDurrant

Additions:
So for those who also want to try eCS 2.0 under VMWare ESXi v4, I have created this How To document.

Deletions:
So for those who also want to try this new opportunity, I have created this How To document.

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Edited on 2010-02-02 09:39:24 by EdDurrant

Additions:
Version 1.1 - 2nd. February 2010. - Changed to record VMWare's support of eComStation 1.2R.
The VMWare ESX used in this process is the market leader and has been on the Intel platform for the last 10 years or so. ESX is a server based, Hypervisor (i.e. the virtualisation engine is not installed on top of a running OS, it IS the OS. For many years, despite some beta support, VMware have tried but not suceeded in suporting OS/2 as a client OS under VMWare ESXi until this v4. OS/2 Warp v 4 and version 4.52 / WSeB are listed as supported under ESXi v4 and since eComStation is based on WSeB code and has in RC6a an option in the install process to install in a virtualised environment, I thought it was worth a try and after some problems understanding how ESX and its management client (which has to run on a different (Windows) system) work, I am happy to report I have been successful.
UPDATE As of February 2nd. 2010 VMWare now allow eComStation 1.2R officially as well as OS/2 Warp 4 and WSeB (we hope they will also be able to accept eCS 2.0 once it is released as GA code). Please refer to VMWare's compatibility guide at: http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=software∞.

Deletions:
The VMWare ESX used in this process is the market leader and has been on the Intel platform for the last 10 years or so. ESX is a server based, Hypervisor (i.e. the virtualisation engine is not installed on top of a running OS, it IS the OS. For many years, despite some beta support, VMware have tried but not suceeded in suporting OS/2 as a client OS under VMWare ESXi until this v4. OS/2 Warp v 4 and version 4.52 / WSeB are listed as supported and since eComStation is based on WSeB code and has in RC6a an option in the install process to install in a virtualised environment, I thought it was worth a try and after some problems understanding how ESX and its management client (which has to run on a different (Windows) system) work, I am happy to report I have been successful.

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Edited on 2009-11-05 23:01:10 by EdDurrant

Additions:
All being well, you now have your first eCS installation working under VMWare ESXi v 4.01 ! Don't forget to fill in the eComStation feedback wizard at the end of the install.

Deletions:
All being well, you now have your first eCS installation working under VMWare ESXi v 4.01 !

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Edited on 2009-11-05 23:00:02 by EdDurrant

Additions:
Author Ed Durrant (edurrant at durrant dot mine dot nu)

Deletions:
Author Ed Durrant (edurrant@durrant.mine.nu)

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Edited on 2009-11-05 22:59:32 by EdDurrant

Additions:
Version 1.0 - 6th. November 2009.

Deletions:
Version 0.4 WIP Draft 6th. November 2009.

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Edited on 2009-11-05 22:55:15 by EdDurrant

Additions:

Viewing the graphics

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Edited on 2009-11-05 22:54:13 by EdDurrant

Additions:

Creating the "empty" virtual machine environment "shell" that we will install eCS into

This is an alternative to typing in the complete key manually during the install phase!
Here are step by step screenshots through the eCS installation. If you've installed eCS before, you will recognise most of this, however it is critically important to go into the pre-install menu and set the parameters as shown otherwise your installation WILL fail!

Complete

All being well, you now have your first eCS installation working under VMWare ESXi v 4.01 !

Deletions:

Creating the "empty" virtual machine environment

This first set of screenshots shows the initial work required to create the virtual machine "shell" that we will install eCS into

other experiments with images

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Edited on 2009-11-05 22:48:26 by EdDurrant

Additions:

This first set of screenshots shows the initial work required to create the virtual machine "shell" that we will install eCS into

Deletions:

This first set of screenshots shows the initial work required

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Edited on 2009-11-05 22:47:15 by EdDurrant

Additions:
Version 0.4 WIP Draft 6th. November 2009.

This first set of screenshots shows the initial work required

Deletions:
Version 0.3 WIP Draft 1st. August 2009. 1.
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Edited on 2009-11-05 22:45:43 by EdDurrant

No differences.

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Edited on 2009-08-20 09:24:49 by EdDurrant

Additions:
Version 0.3 WIP Draft 1st. August 2009.

Deletions:
Version 0.2 WIP Draft 1st. August 2009.

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Edited on 2009-08-20 09:23:32 by EdDurrant

Additions:
You can click on the graphics below to get a larger version of the pictures and use the ">" or "<" options overlayed on the RH and LH sides of the graphic to navigate through them.

Deletions:
You can click on the graphics below to get a larger version of the pictures and use the next or previous options overlayed on the RH and LH sides of the graphic to navigate through them.

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Edited on 2009-08-20 09:20:58 by EdDurrant

Additions:
You can click on the graphics below to get a larger version of the pictures and use the next or previous options overlayed on the RH and LH sides of the graphic to navigate through them.
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Edited on 2009-08-16 01:13:54 by WikkaAdmin [added pictures gallery]

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Edited on 2009-08-16 01:09:43 by WikkaAdmin [added pictures gallery]

Additions:

Creating and loading the floppy image with the registration key

installing eComStation

other experiments with images

Deletions:

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Edited on 2009-08-03 18:04:21 by WikkaAdmin

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Edited on 2009-08-03 12:27:28 by EdDurrant

Additions:

Creating the "empty" virtual machine environment

Before you can install a virtual machine client you have to create an environment for it. The following steps show how I created one to hold eComStation 2.0 Silver Release - you can adjust parameters to reflect your available resources in your VMware ESXi v4 environment.




Deletions:

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Edited on 2009-08-01 10:44:19 by EdDurrant

Additions:

How to install eCS 2.0 Silver Release under VMWare ESXi installable v4

Deletions:

How to install eCS 2.0RC6a under VMWare ESXi installable v4

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Oldest known version of this page was edited on 2009-08-01 10:41:32 by EdDurrant []

How to install eCS 2.0RC6a under VMWare ESXi installable v4

Author Ed Durrant (edurrant@durrant.mine.nu)

Version 0.2 WIP Draft 1st. August 2009.

Background:

I am assuming the readers of this document understand what virtualisation is.

In short it is a way to multiple run complete systems (OS and applications) in a secure area on one computer.

The VMWare ESX used in this process is the market leader and has been on the Intel platform for the last 10 years or so. ESX is a server based, Hypervisor (i.e. the virtualisation engine is not installed on top of a running OS, it IS the OS. For many years, despite some beta support, VMware have tried but not suceeded in suporting OS/2 as a client OS under VMWare ESXi until this v4. OS/2 Warp v 4 and version 4.52 / WSeB are listed as supported and since eComStation is based on WSeB code and has in RC6a an option in the install process to install in a virtualised environment, I thought it was worth a try and after some problems understanding how ESX and its management client (which has to run on a different (Windows) system) work, I am happy to report I have been successful.

So for those who also want to try this new opportunity, I have created this How To document.
VMWare ESXi v4 (CD ISO) and its VSphere ViClient (Windows) is now downloadable for small system configurations (max 1 CPU, max 4 cores), after you have registered for a free account at the time of writing from:
http://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/p/activate.php?p=free-esxi&lp=1∞ The client software is also available on the ESXi server by simply going to the page at the IP address shown on the ESXiv4 server screen.

The Actual install of VMWare ESXi v4 will not be covered in this document as it is not eComStation specific however please note the following points before starting:

However you should note that applying the key also disables many features. You see the file VMWare lets you download is a 60 day evaluation version with ALL features available for those 60 days. Applying the registration key makes it an unlimited license period, but only for a machine with a single processor chip. It limits you to having a maximum of 4 processors visible within the virtualised clients. You cannot use management tools to manage multiple machines and move virtual computers between them "on the fly" and of course you cannot call on high level support. I think this is fair as the intention of the release is to enable you to test the code. If you wish to install it is a multi server "farm" for commercial use, you will need to buy the appropriate license and get a new key to re-enable the extra options and get professional support for the product.

(many) other useful manuals to help you install VMWare ESXi v4 are located at: http://www.vmware.com/support/vsphere4/doc/vsp_esxi40_vc40_rel_notes.html∞

OK, now on to installing eCS. Before we start by creating a new empty virtual machine via the ViClient, there are two keys on the keyboard that you are going to get to know very well
this combination of keys is used to release the cursor from the remote virtual machine back to your windows box. You'll need to use these often during the installation as you will have to exit the install screens and scroll up or down to see the rest of most of the panels. To enter or return to the virtual system, you will simply click anywhere in the window with the mouse. Once the installation is complete you can switch to full screen so that no scrolling is needed any more your Windows systems looks as if it is a native eComStation installation. To switch back from full screen you'll use ALT + CTRL again.

To be able to send Ctrl+alt+delete to bring up the CAD popup and it's tools in the virtualised session, VMWare have adopted a similar approach to other virtualisation engines in that you can select to send C-A-D to the session via a pull down from outside the session or if you are working in the session (either windowed or full screen) you can press CTRL+ALT+INSERT as CTRL+ALT+DEL goes to your physical (Windoze) machine.
The rest of this "HowTo" is a step by step guide with a picture at each step, so that you can see what to do.