Andre: Thanks for you reply. Sounds like in your experience, using Building the Ultimate vSphere lab is a good route. I have been referencing the blue to print to The Official VCP5 Certification Guide, and it is farily updated at least through the first two chapters. The only areas I found that are not in this portion of the book are:
- Objective 1.4 - Secure vCenter Server and ESXi
- Enable/Configure/Disable services in the ESXi firewall
- Objective 1.5 - Identify vSphere Architecture and Solutions
- Identify the various datacenter solutions that interact with vSphere (View, SRM, Lab Manager, etc.)
I have checked on Pearson's website when I registered the book and I do not see these updates as of yet. However, I found this information on VMware doc site that can be used for what is missing in Objective 1.4 - Still looking for a good document for 1.5 (Identify the various datacenter solutions that interact with vSphere (View, SRM, Lab Manager, etc.))
- Objective 1.4 - http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-51/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsphere-esxi-vcenter-server-51-security-guide.pdf
I will take a look at Scott Lowe's book if need be...do not want to overwhelme myself with yet a third book.
AndreTheGian: thanks for your response as well. Based on my system, Desktop with intel I7, 16GB of ram, 128GB SSD and 2Tb of data storage. Based on what you are saying, do you agree with the other Andre approach to lab setup? I want to gain the most experience with this system so I can ensure best results for exam and for future employment as admin or designer.
Anyone else have any other suggestions??? I appreciate your support.
Regards,
Tim
