Virtualization For Dummies will provide a thorough introduction to the topic of virtualization. A reader will be able to pick up the book, knowing nothing about the topic, and, having read it through, be conversant with all aspects of the subject in the concise, lighthearted, and conversational manner that is the For Dummies hallmark.
The book is organized as follows:
Part I: Getting Started with a Virtualization Project
Part II: Server Virtualization
Part III: Server Virtualization Software Options
Part IV: Storage Virtualization
Part V: The Part of Tens

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 21 Ratings

The go-to-book for all things related to Virtualization - 2009-11-05
Reviewer Rating:
This is the best book I have read on Virtualization. It covers everything one needs to know about Virtualization, in a very simple to read and understand manner. This is a must have book for anyone interested in technology, will recommend it to anyone - novice to an expert. I enjoyed reading it and was able to be productive on Virtualization within 30 days.

Great book - especially for an introduction to Virtualization - 2009-02-11
Reviewer Rating:
I never realized how many "flavors" of virtualization are out there, and this book helps identify which options are best suited for our environment. What an eye opener!

The author writes in an easy to follow an understand manner - even a dummy like me can follow along.

The hints and tips and resources and step-by-step instructions are very helpful.

I highly recommend this book - even if you've played with VM before.

The Reference for the Rest of Us! - 2008-11-25
Reviewer 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 - 2008-11-13
Reviewer 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 - 2008-11-10
Reviewer 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.

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