VMware Workstation is the latest virtualization desktop offering for VMware.
VMware Workstation 7 allows you to transform your desktop into multiple Operating Systems (OS) without the overhead of additional computers.
In the past, gaining knowledge for certifications required a lot of upfront overhead. With the introduction of virtualization, getting the knowledge to become certified has become much more cost effective.
What are the VMware Tools?
The VMware Tools are a special set of utilities that enhance your virtualization experience. All virtual machines created get better performance once the VMware Tools are installed.
The VMware Tools are stored as an ISO image within VMware Workstation 7. Workstation 7 upgrades the VMware Tools ISO image automatically. If you do not have the latest version of the VMware Tools, you are prompted to download the latest updates. This assures you have the latest and greatest VMware Tools when creating virtual machines.
Working with the VMware Tools
Open VMware Workstation from the start menu and select your virtual machine from the sidebar (Figure A). Power On your virtual machine (VM) by choosing VM | Power | Power On.
Figure A: The sidebar displays all your virtual machines.
Once your virtual machine is powered on, click on the Start button and Control Panel. Once the Control Panel opens, choose VMware Tools as shown in Figure B.
Figure B: Opening the VMware Tools via the Control Panel
Working with the Options Tab in VMware Tools
The Options Tab allows you to set the time synchronization between your Host and Guest (VM). Selecting this checkbox (Figure C) keeps the time synchronized between your host and guest computer.
Periodically, the Host checks the guest VM and if the time is incorrect, it is correctly synchronized.
Figure C: The Options Tab
Furthermore, this tab allows you to display whether you want the VMware Tools to display in your taskbar and whether you want to be notified via the taskbar if a VMware Tools update is available.
Working with the Devices Tab in VMware Tools
The Devices tab allows you to connect removable devices to your virtual machines such as floppy drives, DVD/CD-ROM drives, ISO images, USB drives, network, and sound adapters.
Alternatively, you can add/remove devices if you edit the settings of a newly created virtual machine.
Figure D: Working with the Devices tab
Working with the Scripts Tab in VMware Tools
The Scripts tab allows you to run scripts that help automate your virtual machine(s).
For example, you can choose a script from the dropdown menu and click Run Now. Click the dropdown and experiment with the system delivered scripts to create your ideal virtual machine(s).
Figure E: Working with the Scripts Tab
Working with the Shrink Tab in VMware Tools
The Shrink Tab allows you to reclaim unused disk space in a virtual disk.
If you balloon a virtual machine and then delete the files, the virtual machine remains in a ballooned state with empty space. Shrinking a VM will erase this empty space and compact your virtual machine.
Figure F: Working with the Shrink Tab
Working with the About Tab in VMware Tools
The About tab displays VMware’s build number and copyright information.
Figure G: Working with the About Tab
Once you have a virtual machine created, it is equally important to understand how the VMware Tools work in conjunction with a virtual machine. By experimenting with the different setting in the VMware Tools settings, you can take your newly created virtual machines to the next level.
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