Tools for managing an ESX 3i Server

Information:

After installing ESX 3i you need to know how to manage it.

 

1)      If DHCP is enabled on the network, the console screen shows the assigned IP address as a URL to download management client utilities.  You can access that URL from any web browser to get the following.

a.       You can also press F2 at the Console to configure a static IP Address

2)      Use the web page and download and install the VMWare Infrastructure (VI) Client from the ESXi server.

3)      Open the VI Client

a.       Specify the IP Address of the ESXi server

b.      Username: root

c.       Password: is blank by default, or enter your password if already configured.

d.      You can now use the VI Client to manage this server

4)      You should also download and install the Remote Command Line utilities.

 

More Information:

ESXi is free to download, install and use as a standalone server.  However, to use with VirtualCenter Server you must purchase a VI3 Foundation, Standard or Enterprise License.  Standalone ESXi and ESX servers are not very useful, except in small business environments.  All the functionality that most administrators need comes from VirtualCenter Server.