Ubuntu Server - Installer performance under VMWare

[Carlos Ribeiro]

Hi,

I downloaded the latest (beta) Ubuntu server ISO image and installed it
under VMWare (build 22874):

ubuntu-server-6.06-beta-install-i386.iso
<http://releases.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-server/dapper/ubuntu-server-6.06-beta-install-i386.iso>

The server starts in graphic mode, but reverts to text after the first
couple screens. After that, the performance of the installer is poor;
screens redraws could be literally seen, pretty much like on a 9600 TTY
line. I guess this is due to the BIOS emulation performance, or something
related, and the fact that VMWare Tools can only be installed *after* the VM
ends installing. The installation took much longer than expected, mainly due
to these performance issues.

Considering that VMWare is taking an important part of the server
infrastructure for many companies, I believe that it makes sense to try to
optimize the performance of the installer under it. I guess (and that's only
a guess) that a 'faster' driver for the VMWare video 'hardware' could be
included in the installer, making it perform better. I don't know if such a
driver exists; even if it exists, it may turn out that it can't be included
in a distribution like Ubuntu due to licensing concerns.

-- 
Carlos Ribeiro
Consultoria em Projetos
blog: http://rascunhosrotos.blogspot.com
blog: http://pythonnotes.blogspot.com
mail: carribeiro at gmail.com
mail: carribeiro at yahoo.com
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