On a Break
After 13+ years of blogging I’ve decided to take a break for awhile, and I’m not sure when or if I will start things up again. Any new content will be posted to my YouTube channel. Please subscribe to this channel for any updates. I appreciate all the community support over the years but for now its time to do something different.
Why is vmexplorer on a break?
Last August 2023 I spent 2 weeks working at the non-profit Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. I really enjoyed my time there fixing machines and working with their great customers. I learned that they give away 95% of their profits to local non-profits in need. Over the owners lifetime, he estimates a total of 30 Million dollars will have been donated all through the use of his personal pinball and arcade style game collection. For him it all started with a gumball machine and he worked + saved his way up.
This really got me thinking about what I could possibly do for my community. I love pinball/arcade games and I love helping non-profits, so why not see what impact I could have. Last fall 2023 I decided to create a business that would donate a portion of their proceeds to local non-profits in my community. This company is called amAZing Enterprises. Our plan is to raise funds through the deployment of Candy Machines, Arcade Gaming, and Green Screen Photos. In turn we donate a portion of our profits to help out non-profit organizations. We landed our first location at our local Ford Dealership and they were so happy to help our company start out. Soon we’ll be partnered with other non-profits and will grow our business.
So, its a start and its something I enjoy putting my free time into. Again, I’m always glad to respond to technical questions or comments from a reader, so do reach out.
Home Lab Edition: My interview with the Virtually Speaking Podcast at Explore 2023!
I had the most amazing time at VMware Explore 2023, and let me tell you, it was an adventure packed with knowledge, networking, friendship, and some serious fun! 🚀
The highlight of my trip? Without a doubt, it was the incredible interview I had around HomeLabs, the vExpert Optane Giveaway, and The Pinball Hall of Fame!
Being a part of the #vExpert community has been a game-changer for me, and I’m always happy to pay it forward. If you need a helping hand with your #homelab experiments or have burning questions about VMware, feel free to reach out! 🛠️
Big shoutout to the Virtually Speaking Podcast with Pete Flecha and John Nicholson for giving so many attendees a voice to talk about and share their passions! Until next time, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep having a blast in the world of virtualization! 🌐✨
VMware Workstation 17 Nested Home Lab Part 8b: More on Networking
In Part 8 we installed and configured the vSAN ESA into our Nested vSphere environment. However, based on some comments the networking section was a bit short on how to. In this session, 8b, I demonstrate how I setup the vDS switch, create protogroups, import hosts, and align their uplinks to network adapters.
Note: I made a few mistakes in this video (a wrong IP address, a wrong nic teaming selection) but I do corrected those mistakes very shortly after making them :)
#Optane #IntelXeon #Xeon #vExpert #VMware #Cloud #datacenter
Unveiling the High-Performance FS6706T: All-Flash Storage Unboxing!
In this video I have something exciting to unbox and explore – the #asustor F6706T NVMe all-flash storage device. If you’re into tech, data storage, or even building your own media server, you won’t want to miss this.
In this quick video, we’ll start by unboxing the F6706T, giving you a glimpse of what’s inside and the quality of the components. This is just the first step in our exploration of the F6706T. In our upcoming videos, I have a lot more in store. I’ll guide you through the installation process for NVMe drives, setting up the device, and diving into the nitty-gritty details of how it performs when integrated with Plex.
If you’re as intrigued as I am about this high-performance storage solution, be sure to stay tuned for those videos. I’ll be sharing my experiences, tips, and insights to help you make an informed decision about whether the F6706T is the right choice for your media server needs.
And if you want more detailed information about this device, check out the official product page. There, you’ll find specs, features, and all the technical details you need to know.
So, let’s dive into this exciting journey of exploration together. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications so you won’t miss any of our upcoming F6706T adventures.
Preserving the Legacy of Gaming and Inspiring Future Engineers: My VMware Anniversary Celebration
A few weeks ago, I celebrated my remarkable 12-year journey with VMware, a company that truly values its employees and their passions. To commemorate this milestone, VMware generously offered to donate ~$3K USD to a non-profit of my choice and granted me two weeks of respite. After some consideration, I decided to direct the donation to the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum in Las Vegas. Beyond merely contributing to a unique and exciting attraction, my decision was fueled by a profound belief in preserving arcade games for future generations of IT engineers.
Why did I choose to preserve video games and support the Pinball Hall of Fame?
- The Pinball Hall of Fame A Beacon of Community Support: The Pinball Hall of Fame Museum is not just an ordinary arcade; it stands as a testament to the power of giving back to the community. A significant factor in my decision to support this establishment was its admirable mission of using its profits to reinvest in the local community. Knowing that my donation would directly contribute to the betterment of Las Vegas was incredibly fulfilling.
- Preserving the Past to Inspire the Future: Growing up in the 80s, I experienced an unforgettable event that profoundly influenced my career path. While playing Space Invaders on an Atari 2600, a simple question from my mother sparked an insatiable curiosity about computers and electronics. Her question was, “I wonder how they know when to shoot when you are under them.” From that moment on, my passion for technology became the driving force behind my education and career decisions. My story, though unique to me, resonates with countless IT professionals who also found their calling through the love of gaming.
- Arcade and Pinball Games: These games are more than entertainment. To me they are catalysts for aspiring engineers. Arcade and pinball games have served as unexpected gateways into the world of technology for many professionals like myself. It is awe-inspiring to discover the multitude of individuals in the IT industry who share similar stories of finding their passion through gaming. Supporting the Pinball Hall of Fame is not merely a gesture of nostalgia; it is a dedication to nurturing the next generation of engineers who may experience their own transformative moments within those vibrant halls.
- Volunteering for a Greater Cause: As part of my anniversary celebration, I chose to dedicate my 2 week respite by volunteering at the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum. Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to give back to the Las Vegas community, but it also allows me to witness firsthand how this extraordinary place continues to inspire young minds. By volunteering, I hope to contribute to the nurturing environment that fosters the technological geniuses of tomorrow.
My 12-year anniversary with VMware will be an opportunity to reflect on my journey and appreciate the pivotal role that arcade games played in shaping my life. Choosing to support the Pinball Hall of Fame Museum through VMware’s generous donation and volunteering is a way to give back to a community-focused organization and inspire future engineers to embrace their passions fearlessly. Let us continue to preserve the legacy of gaming and kindle the spark of curiosity in generations to come.
Your #ChatGPT generated justification letter for attending #VMwareExplore 2023!
I think I found one of the best use cases for ChatCPT. A buddy and I were fooling around with ChatGPT the other day. We were mostly making funny songs lyrics and that is when it hit me. Why not use ChatGPT to write my next blog post. How about having it come up with a justification letter that my readers could give to their boss.
Well folks below is that letter, I must say it did a pretty good job, and I do hope it helps you too!
I asked ChatGPT: “Write me a justification letter for VMware Explore 2023”
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to provide a comprehensive justification for attending VMware Explore 2023, highlighting the immense value and benefits it offers to our organization. VMware Explore is an exceptional event that brings together industry experts, thought leaders, and technology enthusiasts from around the world. Attending this event will greatly contribute to our knowledge base, professional development, and competitive advantage.
- Cutting-Edge Technology Insights: VMware Explore is renowned for providing in-depth insights into the latest advancements and trends in virtualization, cloud computing, and digital transformation. By attending, we will gain firsthand knowledge of VMware’s cutting-edge technologies, product roadmaps, and strategic vision. This will enable us to align our IT strategies with industry best practices and leverage VMware solutions effectively.
- Expert-Led Sessions and Workshops: The event offers a diverse range of sessions, workshops, and hands-on labs led by industry experts and VMware professionals. These interactive sessions delve into key topics such as hybrid cloud, security, containerization, and modern application development. By participating in these sessions, we will gain practical knowledge, learn from real-world use cases, and acquire skills that can be immediately applied to our organization’s IT infrastructure.
- Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: VMware Explore provides a unique platform for networking and collaboration with IT professionals, solution architects, and fellow VMware users. Engaging with peers and industry leaders will allow us to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from their successes and challenges. This invaluable networking opportunity can lead to partnerships, innovative solutions, and potential business opportunities.
- Solutions Showcase: The event features an expansive solutions showcase, where VMware and its ecosystem partners demonstrate their latest technologies and solutions. Exploring this showcase will enable us to discover new products, explore integrations, and evaluate potential vendors. This hands-on experience will assist us in making informed decisions regarding our IT infrastructure, future investments, and digital transformation initiatives.
- Professional Growth and Certifications: VMware Explore offers opportunities for professional growth through training and certifications. By attending the event, our team members can participate in technical training sessions and earn certifications that validate their expertise in VMware technologies. These certifications can enhance their professional profiles, strengthen our organization’s competency, and improve our overall operational efficiency.
- Return on Investment (ROI): Investing in attendance at VMware Explore can yield substantial returns for our organization. The knowledge gained, industry connections established, and insights into VMware’s roadmap will empower us to optimize our IT infrastructure, streamline operations, and drive innovation. The event’s takeaways can result in cost savings, improved productivity, and enhanced business agility.
In conclusion, attending VMware Explore 2023 will provide us with unparalleled opportunities to stay at the forefront of technology, expand our knowledge base, collaborate with industry leaders, and strengthen our competitive position. I recommend our organization’s participation in this event as it will yield significant benefits, both in terms of professional development and business growth.
Thank you for considering this justification, and I look forward to your approval to attend VMware Explore 2023.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
VMware Workstation 17 Nested Home Lab Part 9: Performance Testing
Part 9 is the last video in this series. In this part we step by step install and configure the HCI Bench APP into our Nested vSphere environment. This APP will allow us to benchmark our nested #vSAN ESA environment. I’ll show you a few tips and tricks for getting it installed and operational. At the end of this video we review the results.
A BIG THANK YOU to my sponsor #Intel and the #vExpert program. Their generous support of the Intel #Optane samples made this series possible.
Check out this link for more information: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/details/memory-storage/data-center-ssds/optane-dc-ssd-series.html
#Optane #IntelXeon #Xeon #vExpert #VMware #Cloud #datacenter
VMware Workstation 17 Nested Home Lab Part 8: Setting up vSAN ESA
In Part 8 we install and configure the vSAN ESA into our Nested vSphere environment. We’ll do a quick review of the networking setup with vDS, some tips/tricks to setting up vSAN ESA, validate the ESA datastore, and enable the vSAN License key. All these steps will prepare us for Part 9 where we’ll run HCIBench to performance test our nested cluster.
VMware Workstation 17 Nested Home Lab Part 7: Setting up vSphere Environment
In Part 7 we start the setup of our vSphere environment and get it ready for the vSAN ESA Install. The steps we’ll cover are as follows – Power On all the systems, Ensure NTP, DNS, and network connectivity are working, Add License Keys, Create Datacenter and Cluster, Add Hosts to the cluster, Validate Host NTP Settings, and finally Suppress Shell and SSH Warnings.
#Optane #IntelXeon #Xeon #vExpert #VMware #Cloud #datacenter
VMware Workstation 17 Nested Home Lab Part 6: Installation of ESXi 8 Hosts
We’ve turned the corner on our series and in Part 6 we install ESXi 8 on to our Workstation 17 deployment. Additionally, I cover a few tips and tricks for getting the install to go smoothly!
#Optane #IntelXeon #Xeon #vExpert #VMware #Cloud #datacenter
vmexplorer 