Exchange 2007 or 2010 Lab on one laptop using VMWare…possible?
This is a question that’s most likely been asked several times in the past and that I have myself asked previously but I’m still looking for an answer…
Up till this point, I’ve only worked with Exchange at a ‘basic’ level…move/delete/create user mailboxes, manage rights to mailboxes, calendars and public folders, etc. Having now embarked on a journey to really get under the hood of Exchange and get my hands dirty, I’ve bought a couple of books and am looking to set up a virtual lab at home.
Unfortunately, I’ve only got limited hardware for now…
A laptop with
– with an Intel Core i5 processor, 2.1 GHz or so
– 4GB RAM
– 350 GB HDD
I have VMWare Server installed.
1. What is the “minimum” number of virtual machines I will need to install for an Exchange 2007 or 2010 lab?
I’m looking at 4 virtual machines possibly…
2 x Server 2008 (each a DC, running DNS and on which the Exchange 2007 or 2010 will be installed)
1 x Windows XP
1 X Windows 7
2. Any suggestion for the configuration of these machines
3. What’s the maximum number of Virtual machines I’ll need to run concurrently at any one time to simulate Send / Receive email…if at all possible ?
Many thanks for your answers and suggestions and here’s wishing all TechRepublicans (hmmmm) a happy and prosperous 2012
Best regards,
TekyWanabe