Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com

If you’re thinking about “going virtual” but have the feeling everyone else in the world understands exactly what that means while you’re still virtually in the dark, take heart. Virtualization for Dummies gives you a thorough introduction to this hot topic and helps you evaluate if making the switch to a virtual environment is right for you.

This fun and friendly guide starts with a detailed overview of exactly what virtualization is and exactly how it works, and then takes you on a tour of the benefits of a virtualized environment, such as added space in overcrowded data centers, lower operations costs through more efficient infrastructure administration, and reduced energy costs through server consolidation.

Next, you’ll get step-by-step guidance on how to:

• Perform a server virtualization cost versus benefit analysis
• Weigh server virtualization options
• Choose hardware for your server virtualization project
• Create a virtualized software environment
• Migrate to—and manage—your new virtualized environment

Whether you’re an IT manager looking to sell the idea to your boss, or just want to learn more about how to create, migrate to, and successfully manage a virtualized environment, Virtualization for Dummies is your go-to guide for virtually everything you need to know.

Average Customer Rating:

The Reference for the Rest of Us!

Customer Rating:

This is the third "for dummies" book I have read and by far the best written. This" reference for the rest of us" uses a succinct but whimsical and entertaining style with lots of analogy to strengthen points. I really had no prior knowledge on the subject of virtualization, or at least I thought so. Now I realize I had used virtual pc software on my Mac years ago and this book has helped me decide on a virtual windows approach for my new Intel based Apple computer. Like other "for dummies" books, it completely covers the subject for beginners, but goes into successive levels of detail as you read and you can "skip around" easily. I am a retired analog systems engineer and have no intention of working in the server field. If I did however, this would be a fantastic assist in getting into the subject in a hurry. I would recommend this book for all just interested in learning what virtualization like myself, but especially for managers who must speak the language and evaluate "cost-benefits" of virtualization in their organizations. If you are such a manager, Chapters 15 and 16 are for you as specific project steps and pitfalls are delineated. There is also plenty of information available for the implementer as well with a full three chapters on installing and configuring VMware, Fedora and XenExpress using actual screen photo graphics for easy guidance. This is a very impressive book and highly recommended for people ranging from those who just want to speak the language to those whose job it is to implement and manage server architecture. A reference "for the rest of us" delivers!

Real Value on Virtualization	Customer Rating:
Bernard Golden provides the perfect introduction to virtualization for the IT professional. He starts with a concise yet powerful business case and then proceeds to walk you through the nuts and bolts of realizing the potential value that virtualization can offer to your operation. I highly recommend his book. His blog on [.....] is also valuable and wryly amusing.

Great book for a beginner looking for a hands on experience

Customer Rating:

Virtualization for Dummies is a good book for beginners to get started using virtual machines and for intermediate users looking for a better understanding of the technology and its application. The author states that each chapter is written to stand alone. I found this especially helpful in that I could more easily skip sections that I was already familiar with. A beginner will find Part IV invaluable. Here the author has step-by-step instructions on how to implement a virtual server and install a guest virtual machine. This section has separate chapters on using VMWare Server, Xen integrated into Fedora and XenExpress. As the author states, each of the products used in the examples are free. One of the applications of virtualization that experienced users will like is building a virtual appliance. As the author states, a virtual appliance is a VM containing a pre-configured OS and software bundle. This can be a real time saver for both vendors and IT departments who want to deliver an application to a customer for evaluation or testing. For the customer, installing the application requires nothing more than copying a few files to their machine and attaching the VM to their server. The book is well written, easy to read, and worth the price.

Great intro for non-technical folks

Customer Rating:

As a non-technical marketing person, I just needed a quick primer on the basic concepts of virtualization technology. This book was perfect. Not too shallow, not too deep and clearly organized so I could skip the technical parts (which I'm sure were great :-) about how to implement virtualization. What a time-saver! The sections on "Making a Business Case for Virtualization," "Deciding Whether Virtualization is Right for You" and "Performing a Virtualization Cost-Benefit Analysis" were a bonus for me. This is a one-stop-shop for the virtualization newbie. The last chapter with extra resources means this book will sit close at hand in my office for a while.

A Must Read for Any Organization

Customer Rating:

Bernard Golden, THE source for open source, has done it again. A treasure of knowledge and wisdom all incorporated in one fabulous book. Whether you are a novice, a technology expert, or at the highest level of your organization, I highly recommend you pick up this book and read it. You will gain tremendous knowledge of how to successfully apply the concept of "Virtualization" to your organization. Chad Barr President CB Software Systems, Inc.