So, after much reading on how to best set up my home network, what I want is an Unraid server that also runs some sort of virtual machine software (VMWare server, virtual box, whatever).

 

But, I'm a total noob. I've been reading for hours, tried a bunch of times to install slackware dev kit on my system (toshiba L505d-s5983 laptop), and I can't get slackware to install. Even if I could, I really have no idea what the heck I'm supposed to do in order to get VMWare server running with Unraid.

 

Can't Lime Tech sell me a solution? I have four 2TB drives, a 1.5tb drive, and some others. What I'd like is to try out a setup of the free Unraid software that has VMWare Server. If it works and I like it, I want to upgrade to the paid version so that I can UNRAID all of my drives.

 

I will never figure out how to do this myself. I'm not a computer programmer - just a windows type guy with 8+ yrs experience building my own systems (knowledgeable about hardware, and windows. Don't know jack about linux).

 

I've seen some people are able to learn everything they need to do this themselves. Much respect to those guys, but that ain't me. What I can do is pay more than the regular price. I don't want to learn how to shingle my own roof, I want to hire a roofer.

 

Does Lime Technology have any plans to sell Unraid with VMWare Server functionality? Or should a noob like me stick with a more user friendly solution like FlexRaid?

 

Many thanks for any advice on how I can get my hands on a copy of Unraid that "just works"

Does Lime Technology have any plans to sell Unraid with VMWare Server functionality?

 

No. The VMWare license explicitly forbids this.

What do you need a VMware server for, if you don't mind me asking?

 

Unraid comes packaged in a limited Linux environment that is not able to support a VMware install (at least no one has been able to make it work to date). Some users have been successful at installing a full blown Linux distro, and installing unRaid there. This allows them to also install VMware and other software into their environment that normal unRaid users cannot.

 

I suggested a long time ago that limetech distribute unraid in 2 forms - the USB version and a Linux installable version. With the latter version, Linux noobs would be able to setup a full distro, and install unraid without deeper Linux skills and be able to perform updates with minimal disruption. But alas there was little interest and obviously this has not happened. This is about as far as limetech could go in providing a VMware friendly environment.

Thanks for the info all. Didn't realize what I want is outside the VMWare license (plenty of noobs want something like this... surprising they don't allow it).

 

I'll keep soldiering on for a while and maybe learn a little Linux I guess.

 

When people put Unraid in a full Linux distro, are they able to run the paid versions of Unraid, or is that limited to the Basic version? Want to make sure I'll be able to eventually reach my goal before I get started. If I can get the free version to work, I want to be able to upgrade.

Thanks for the info all. Didn't realize what I want is outside the VMWare license (plenty of noobs want something like this... surprising they don't allow it).

 

I'll keep soldiering on for a while and maybe learn a little Linux I guess.

 

When people put Unraid in a full Linux distro, are they able to run the paid versions of Unraid, or is that limited to the Basic version? Want to make sure I'll be able to eventually reach my goal before I get started. If I can get the free version to work, I want to be able to upgrade.

 

Yes you can install the free version of unRAID on a full Slackware install and then later upgrade to a paid for version.  unRAID itself just looks for a USB drive with a label of UNRAID to mount and find the .key file on.