TABLE OF CONTENTS In Chapter 2, this book covered the installation of VMware ESX Server. This chapter goes into further detail regarding the directory structure, configuration files, boot process, and the interaction between the Service Console, VMkernel, and virtual machines. VMware ESX Server uses a modified version of Red Hat Linux 7.2 for the boot process and to run the Service Console. Each component serves a specific purpose, and each interacts with the others to provide the services and processes necessary to run and manage virtual machines. This chapter explains the system architecture of ESX Server to ensure you have a thorough understanding of the underlying components and their dependencies. Another goal of this portion of the book is to help fill in the blanks for individuals without a Linux background so you gain a better understanding of ESX Server and better manage your virtual infrastructure.
Whether you are working at the physical ESX Server Service Console or connecting to the Service Console remotely, you need to know several things about navigating the directory structure and accessing specific files that are critical to the function of ESX Server. This section covers the directory structure of the Service Console. Understanding the location of directories and configuration files will help you in configuring, troubleshooting, and maintaining ESX Server.
The directory structure of the Service Console contains many of the usual Linux directories, plus a few additional directories that are recommended for,...
