MOA 2.3 is available
Please follow instructions here: http://sanbarrow.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1132

Whats new ?

Basic Core-system now only uses 6 must-have plugins - and about another 6 optional ones.
You should run it from a ramloading image about 205MB or larger.

Everything else is loaded on demand later - from either USB , vmdk or wim-image - it really doesn't matter

Dotnet2 apps can be used with 256 MB or larger ramloading images - it is not even necessary to have dotnet2 on the boot media - actually dotnet2 will be loaded from a 70Mb readonly wim-image at any time you want. (loads in about 15 seconds)

VMware Workstation can be loaded from anywhere - the version between 6.0.0 and 6.0.3 will be autodetected.
VMware Converter can be loaded from anywhere.

Most UBCD4win apps can be directly used from second CD, local disk, USB, vmdk - where ever by just right-dragging (makes a junction) them with explorer into the MOA-programs directory.

Basically MOA is a "solid core" which is best loaded into RAM.
The rest doesn't matter at build-time ...

Today VMware released the 6.5 beta.

Moa 2.3 adopts this new version nicely - I didn't even have to rebuild the core-system.
Just add another wim-age, specify it in moa.ini and run ...

Like the release notes for moa23 said ... "adding plugins is deprecated"

Glad to see a new release, but weren't you also working along with Peter on a native-moa?

Would likely ease the steps from 1 to 10, but then again, I also see that when things are too automated most people won't even understand how they are built.

Just a thought.

Keep up the good work.

Hi Nuno

most of the users that want VMware-apps from a LiveCD (including me) have more problems with getting started with winbuilder than following the few steps I listed.

I liked Peters native_XP port because it is so small - but generally speaking I prefer the "enough is beautiful" over the "lean is beautiful" attitude.

MOA 2.3 is about twice or thrice the size of native_XP - but once you have build the core-system adding other apps becomes really easy.

Nuno - to make the new VMware WS 6.5 work with MOA I didn't had to write a single line of code - and as I am no programmer I "hate" having to write code and rebuild the CD just because I want to add a new app.




Ulli

You should add that web address to youre signature.

I'm a bit confused.
I think that I need some explanations, maybe especially by Ulli

When I created the nativeEx_moa-lite project, it has been intended by a post of Ulli.
Sorry, currently NO of my search trials brought any result: They all bring an error message.
Therefore I can only try to tell from remembering his original post:

Ulli told us something about his PEBuilder MOA and asked whether something similar would be possible with WinBuilder.

That has been the reason for me to write the nativeEx_moa-lite project.

There have been some suggestions for improvements like VMXBuilder. These improvements have been done.

In my opinion, the nativeEx_moa-lite project has only one task: Boot into a PE and give the user the choice of a (external) VMWare item to boot into.

Currently I have some doubts when I hear: 'Add an application'

I'm sure if somebody explains what to do, it can be done.

Similar with the VMWare engine to use:
I only have one (old) engine. If somebody else has a different engine:

• It cannot be automatically included in the project
• It has to be 'programmed'

But to include it, I need some response!

Peter

BTW: In my opinon, our current forum has something to do with 'WinBuilder'.
Therefore, compares with PEBuilder are welcome, but not overall the real issue.

Oh dear - what have I done ?

Peter - it looks like you understand my post above as a critic on the nativeEx_moa-lite project.
If that is so - please believe me that this was not my intention.

For a user who wants a lean system to run VMs there is nothing better than nativeEx_moa-lite.
You have done a pretty good job when creating it.
I recommend it to every user who asks for a lite VMware-host.

I also never intended to compare winbuilder with pebuilder.
I am pretty sure that MOA 2.3 could also be created with winbuilder.
At the time we discussed moaLite, I considered switching to winbuilder.
After a short while I found that winbuilder is way beyond my head and so I continued with what I am used to.

Peter - if I have offended you or your work - please accept my apology - it was in no way intended.
Ulli



Generally speaking you are right.
Its just that different VMware Workstation versions are so similar to each other that I was able to able to hack some "autodetection" into the PE-startup.
I believe the same is possible with moaLite.
In case you are interested I can explain it in depth

You did not offend me!
I only was in doubt whether it still makes sence to have nativeEx_moa-lite.

Peter

MOA 2.3-011 with experimental support for WS 6.5 beta build 91182 is available now.
http://sanbarrow.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1235



Screenshot shows a full build with dotnet2 apps.
You can use a FreeBSD-firewall as optional package to dial DSL, IPSEC or VPN connections.
If you have a really fat host you can even run VMware ESX 35i as a VM like in the screenshot.

The MOA 2.3.-011 package just builds the core-system.
To add dotnet-apps you must install them once on the fly and capture their files in a wim-image.
On next build you simply include that wim-image and the included dotnet4moa.exe loads the dotnet-stuff on the fly.
Procedure is pretty simple.

I was asked why I use PE as the platform for the VMware LiveCD.
Good question first of all.
If you want to compare with a Slax-based Linux-version have a look at this ready ISO I made
http://sanbarrow.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1204

Well - most likely you will use any of this LiveCDs to run VMs that are stored on a NTFS-based filesystem.
You can use NTFS with Slax as well but when you then run a VM you probably need to fix paths first before you can run it.
With a PE based LiveCD you do not need to change paths before you run the VM.

This doesn't sound critical for unexperienced users - but let me warn you - running a VM created on Windows with a Linux LiveCD can easily destroy all snapshots you eventually have created.

Also in my experience PE is simply faster than Linux - at least what VMware is concerned.

Very cool. Thank you!


It seems to stop at this step.
I only seem to get the option to exit.

I like the interface. Looking better.
A ReadMe with steps included when you run moa23-011-setup would be very helpfull.