Hi everyone, this is my first post here...

I have a PC running VMWare Virtual Server, hosting a couple of Virtual Machines.

I am considering using NComputing L-230 stations to function as a zero-client to these VMware machines, and I would like to know if this is possible, and if anybody is using NComputing like that?

The question is whether NComputing requires that we use their virtualization software, or if we can do with VMWare... something I would much prefer because VMWare is an industry leader and an excellent virtualization product. I am looking at NComputing more as the perfect hardware complement to VMWare, a solution for zero-clients.

I found some references to this on the Internet, but very few and not very clear...

Thanks in advance!

I use 2 pc's hosting 8 virtual xp pro sp2, servicing 16 L230's

My set up is a little over kill, but it leaves me room to grow.

Each server is an Intel based Mb with a quad core cpu, 8Gb ram and a raid 1 160Gb hdd set up. I have 2 partitions one for os and one for the virtual machines.  I created the virtuals using vmware worstation 6.02/4.  Each host pc has 4 nics.  I assign the static ip on the virtual machine, install the nct software.  Set up the l230 to the right Ip.

Works like a charm.  I have very little problems.  I make clones and store them on a data server in case something goes wrong.

@hjkcga:

I did search before posting and no, there's nothing much.

I read somewhere that most of the threads were lost when the forums were migrated to another server or something. Perhaps the threads you are talking about are lost...? These forums have only around 50 threads each, about one mention of VMWare per forum...

@JohnB:

1. I'm curious as to why you used 4 NIC (one for each VM, I suppose). You could just use VMWare's bridged networking and each VM would get it's own IP.

2. You said you created the VM's using VMWare Workstation. And you run them using the same, or is it VMWare Server? Or ESX?

3. Your host OS is Linux, I suppose? Which distro do you recommend?

4. I gather from your response that the NCT software is installed inside each VM; I thought it was installed only once on the host system. Interesting...

Thanks in advance for any answers!

I am glad to hear you used the search,  many people fail this important first step.  I am sure that there were many more links on the old forum, but I thought that this one sounded like what you wanted to do.  Good luck.

To answer your questions

1. I use static ip's for each nic and balance the virutals with static's.  We run 24/7 in shifts.  I found it gave me better network traffic load balancing.

2.I used VmWare Workstation 6.04 to create and edit the virtual pc's.  I run them using Virtual Player that comes with it.  I found it was a cheaper way to go and gave me some control if the virtual machine crashed or locked up.

3. I am using Windows server 2003 r2 Enterprise Ed for the host pc ( thus the large ram amounts)  I would post your question on VmWare's support forum for suggestions on Linux based host servers.

4. NCT software must be installed on each virutal pc, that is how the UTMA connects.  Do not install it on the host Server.

I hope this helps let me know if you have anymore questions

Good luck