VMware Workstation - Preparation for Creation of a VM - Part 01

We will understand the step-by-step procedure to prepare to create a CentOS Virtual Machine (VM). We will make the best use of VMware Workstation (A Type II Hypervisor)

We will need the following:

1. A Personal Computer (or) a Laptop with Virtualization Technology (VT) Enabled Intel Processor
2. Connectivity to the Internet
3. VMware Workstation Installation File. (In case anyone needs help, please ping me at +91 9398497594. I will find a way to share the installer
4. CentOS 7 ISO

This will provide a brief explanation of what we need on the PC/Laptop we have at home (or) in the office (Please note that we need unrestricted Internet Connectivity for this machine)

We will follow the below steps:

1. Open VMware Workstation on the successful installation of the application
2. Select "New Virtual Machine" from the menu (or) by pressing "Ctrl + N" to start the process
3. We will choose "Custom" to understand all the steps to configure the VM at every stage
4. VM Hardware compatibility can be ignored
5. To make things better, let us choose "I will install the operating system later"
6. Let us select CentOS as the Guest Operating System

In this phase let us configure the following:

1. Name of the VM
2. Location of the VM on your Harddisk
3. CPU
4. RAM
5. Network

We will continue with the default and recommended options for the Hard Disk Controller and Disk Type. We will revisit this section when we gain sufficient experience with VMware and understand the importance of these configurations.

It is time we configure the Virtual Disk for this VM and please proceed as suggested in the screenshots. Advanced users may choose other options by understanding the benefits of those options. Also, note the virtual disk name for future reference.

Please do not rush and click on the "Finish" button. We have a few more configurations left. It is advisable to complete them and then hit on "Finish". During this process, we will remove unwanted virtual hardware to keep our VM lean and thin. We will also allow the VM to locate the ISO file that it will make use of to install the Operating System. Finally, we hit the "Finish" button on completion of all the steps.

Readers are suggested to follow each and every screenshot to make things simple and learn the creation of a VM using "VMware Workstation".

The application interface will now give you the facility to start the installation of CentOS on this newly created Virtual Machine.