I recently had a chance to attend VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V4] training bootcamp at one of the MicroTeck training facilities. It was a four day session, consisting of half lecture and half hands-on training labs. I am planning on taking the VCP4 exam in few weeks and one of the requirements for the exam is training bootcamp.
I thought, over all the bootcamp was really helpful. The book and labs were on target and instructor’s knowledge of Vmware vSphere was excellent. The only issue or disappointment for me was the fact that there were not enough resources for each student to work on the labs independently. That is not a big deal as I have a lab at home as well as vSphere deployment at work to play with but for who are looking to obsorb as much as they can from those 4 day labs, it posses a great challenge. I am not sure why VMware has it setup like that but I hope it changes soon so everybody can practice labs on their own, make mistakes and learn from them while still in the training labs rather than in production environment. I mention the same issue during my review at the end of the bootcamp and few others also made it known in their reviews.
I would urge folks over at VMware (Training and Education) to look into this matter!
Here are the virtualization books that I’ve been reading:
- Mastering VMware vSphere 4 (Computer/Tech)
- VCP VMware Certified Professional on vSphere 4 Study Guide: Exam VCP-410 (on backorder, expecting it in couple of days).
In addition to the, whatever study notes I can find on the web, the setup and configuration guides on vmware.com as well as configuration maximums for vSPhere 4.1.
Moreover, my Virtualization Lab at home and resources at work are also excellent way to put the theory and knowledge in practice.
If you have any questions please be sure to post in our Virtualization Forum or contact me directly.
Happy studying!