How to copy VMs to VMware ESXi Server

I have a few VMs that I created with a Vmware Server. Now I want to copy it over to run on an ESXi Server. In the past I was used to copying all the files under a VM directory and things would work right awy. Now it’s no longer the case. Since ESXi Server is a bare bone OS running on the hardware, there is no host OS to use for copying files. 

One way to copy the VMs over is using the UI(VMware Infrstructure Client) to “import” a Virtual Appliance. I tried creating virtual appliances out of my VMs and then do import. But for some reason the ESXi server didn’t like the .ova or .ovf files that I created. I gave up.

Another method is using vCenter Converter to copy your VMs to the ESXi Server. To do that you have to download and run vCenter Converter. Here’s link to download:

http://www.vmware.com/download/converter/

After starting the converter, pick your existing VM as the source and then specify destination. Choose “VMware Infrastructure virtual machine” . Specify the login user and password for the ESXi Server. It will copy the VM over and do the conversion. 

How to surf the net freely without anti-virus software

There's no bullet-proof way of surfing the net. The latest and greatest anti-virus software cannot catch 100% of malware out there. All it takes is just one trojan from some web site you just got redirected to. You can end up spending hours or days downloading security updates, scanning your hard disk or worst, reinstalling your OS.  Imagine having a disposable PC for the purpose of just surfing the net. Surf anywhere you want. Visit any unheard of website without worrying about getting infected. At the first sign of infection just toss it and use another disposable machine.

With VMware you can.

Download VMware server from http://www.vmware.com/download/. At the time of this writing, click on those link marked "free download" will give you a free VMware server.

Install the VMware server.

Create and install a VM with say Windows XP.  Configure it to your heart's content. This will be your Mother of All Virgin Machine(MOAVM). Don't surf the net with this VM. It's pure. Just shut it down and keep in your hard drive till eternity.

Make a copy of the MOAVM and use this copy to surf the net. In VMWare copying a VM is simply copying all the files under its directory.

Now you can visit any website you want, download anything you want, click any link without hesitation, because you don't care about infection anymore. You got 100 popups and the machine freezes. No problem.  Just toss it and use another copy of the MOAVM.  You don't even need to deal with updates for windows and any anti-virus software.

How to shorten a Movado watch band

Use common sense and wear protective gloves to prevent injuring yourself and demaging your watch. If you have just spent your life saving buying this watch I recommand buying a watch link removal tool.

Use a blanket on top of your work surface to protect your watch. Find a paper clip and a piler.

Look closely at the watch. You want to remove those links with arrow markings on them.  Try to remove same number of links from both sides of the watch to balance the band length.

Use the piler to hold the paper clip and push into the pin hole in the direction of the arrow. Use a post-it pad under your watch. Use force and don't slip. Be careful.

The pin will come out from the other end. 

After the whole pin is out, you will see a metal sleeve coming out the top section. This is the part that hold the pin in place.

Repeat the above procedure to remove another pins and links.

When ready to reconnect the band, put the sleeve back into the same place. Push the pin in opposite direction to the arrow. Use a post-it pad to push in the pin.

Good Luck.