VMware Virtual Machine Creation

Linux is nice, better than Windows in many respects. But many people are afraid to take a plunge into the ocean of open source due to certain "technicalities" related with its installation, and to get it successfully up & running.
My suggestion? Simple..before you dive into the free waters, take a test dip in the shallow waters of the virtual machine, powered by VMWare workstation software.

For this purpose, I've demonstrated a step by step virtual machine creation guide for beginners & especially for my C-DAC mohali batchmates.
I have employed the virtual machine for the installation of RED HAT ENTERPRISE 2.
My system specs are as follows:
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T5800@2.00 GHz
RAM: 2 GB DDR2
Hard Disk:320 GB @ 5400 rpm
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit (Not really proud of it)

So, I have the 3 discs of RHEL made into ISO files, the reason being that my DVD drive is not working. But if  you have the CDs, then also we are good to go.

Okay, I am assuming that you, being the user have knowledge of installing software and have already installed a functional version of VMWare workstation. I am using the latest version 7.0.1, although it may not be much of a difference.

Step 1. Click on "New Virtual Machine"

Step 2. Select "Custom"

Step 3. Click "Next" without thinking :P

Step 4. In this step, we select the installation disc. If you have the ISOs, select the second radio button and provide the address for the ISO file. If you have the optical disc, then insert it in and select the first radio button.

Step 5. Select the OS type and distro from the drop down list and select "Next"

Step 6. Specify the virtual machine name and its address to be stored on the hard disk and select "Next"

Step 7. Number of processors. No changing here. Simply "Next"

Step 8. Now this is where it gets tricky. Provide enough RAM to the virtual machine so that your guest OS runs smoothly and ur host OS does not stagger. As the guest OS will be running on top of the host OS, you don't want to max this out.

Step 9. Next

Step 10. Next

Step 11. Next

Step 12. Next

Step 13. Now here we have to create a virtual disk for your virtual machine. You can give anything from 4 to 40 GB, the choice is yours. And I recommend selecting the "Split files into 2GB" option as it makes easier for you to port your machine.

Step 14. No brainer. "Next"

Step 15. Click "Finish: and you are done.

Your virtual machine is now created. All you need to is now to install your OS like you would do on a real physical
machine. Enjoy!