VMware VirtualCenter 1.1 Support Documentation

This chapter describes how to create virtual machines through the New Virtual Machine wizard. This wizard walks you through the steps required to define a virtual machine. This chapter includes information on setting parameters based on the guest operating system used and the resources allocated. After you create the virtual machine, you must install the guest operating system.

This chapter contains the following sections:

• Changing the Default Virtual Machine Directory
• Creating Virtual Machines Using the New Virtual Machine Wizard
• Creating Customized New Virtual Machines Using the New Virtual Machine Wizard
• Installing a Guest Operating System and VMware Tools

You need to use a Virtual Machine Administrator role assigned to the host to perform the activities described in this chapter.

Virtual machines created through VirtualCenter have root ownership. This allows VMware processes running on the host with root privileges. These processes can take action (create files, spawn other processes, etc.) "as root" if they decide that it is appropriate.

VirtualCenter sends commands to these processes. It uses the vpxuser login and password to authenticate the commands, such as, to prove to the host processes that the commands are coming from a legitimate VirtualCenter.

The only reason that the root password is needed in the initial connection process is to prove that you have the necessary permissions for creating a vpxuser login/password.