Step‑by‑Step Guide: Install VMware Workstation and Deploy CentOS 8.1 in a Virtual Machine

1. Install VMware Workstation

VMware Workstation is a desktop virtualization tool for creating Windows, Linux, and other virtual machines.

1) Download the VMware Workstation installer (example: VMware Workstation Pro v15.5.1).

2) Double‑click the installer to start the installation.

3) Follow the wizard, choose the installation location, and optionally deselect extra services.

4) Complete the installation and select a 15‑day trial.

2. Install CentOS 8.1

Prepare the ISO file

CentOS-8.1.1911-x86_64-dvd1.iso

(download from https://www.centos.org/download/ ).

官网下载地址：https://www.centos.org/download/

1) Launch VMware Workstation and click File → New Virtual Machine → Custom (Advanced) → Next .

2) Choose “Install later” and mount the ISO in step 12.

3) Select the guest OS type (Linux → CentOS 8 64‑bit).

4) Name the VM and choose the installation location.

5) Allocate 2 virtual CPUs (do not exceed host CPUs).

6) Allocate 1024 MB RAM (suitable for experiments).

7) Choose NAT network (automatic IP assignment).

Can you explain the three VMware Workstation network types?

8) Select a single‑file virtual disk, size 20 GB (thin provisioning).

9) Name the disk file and finish the wizard.

3. Install the OS

1) Power on the VM and start the CentOS installer.

2) Choose language (Chinese recommended for beginners).

3) Set time & date, software selection, and installation destination.

4) Begin installation and set the root password.

5) Wait for installation to finish, then reboot.

6) After reboot, you can start using CentOS 8.1.

7) The final desktop appears, ready for further configuration.

8) Open a terminal and run a simple command to verify the system.

Enjoy your newly installed CentOS 8.1 virtual machine!