How to Install Linux in VMWare

This How-To explains how to install Ubuntu 11.04 in VMWare Player.

There are several products by VMWare in which you can install Linux. On the Mac, there is VMWare Fusion. On Windows, VMWare Player and VMWare Workstation are 2 popular options. I chose VMWare Player because it is free and simple.

1. Install VMWare Player

Installation of VMWare Player is simple and straightforward. Run the installer and click through the prompts, accepting the defaults.

2. Open VMWare and Create the Virtual Machine

On the right hand side, click "Create a New Virtual Machine."

3. Find the Installation Media

If your installation media is on a disc, insert the disc. If it is an ISO, select "Installer disc image file (iso)" and browse for the file. Notice that VMWare detected that it will be installing Ubuntu 11.04, and that it will be using "Easy Install."

4. Enter the Easy Install information

VMWare only needs to know your real name, user name, and password in order to do a fully automated install.

5. Finish Creating the Virtual Machine

At the next screen enter a name to identify this virtual machine, and at the following screen choose the size for the virtual hard disk.



The last screen before starting the Ubuntu installation shows you a summary of the settings. If you wish to give Ubuntu more RAM, you can click "Customize Settings..." Otherwise, click finish to begin the Ubuntu installation.

6. Download VMWare Tools for Linux

Right after starting Ubuntu, VMWare pops up a window asking if you want to download VMWare Tools for Linux. In order to complete the fully automated installation, you must download the tools. The tools provide other functions, like matching screen resolution to the VMWare Player window. Downloading the tools is optional, however it is highly recommended.

7. Automated Install

VMWare Player lets you know that it's using "Easy Install" to automatically install Ubuntu. This takes a few minutes... You can watch the billboards while you wait.

8. Installation Finished

Once you get to the login screen, you have finished the installation of Ubuntu.