
Create virtual servers to run various operating systems in a safe environment for testing, updating, developing code and other modifications. The suite supports desktop virtualization, tablet transfer and virtual networking and network condition simulation.
VMware is the leading product in desktop virtualization. It acts as a virtual computer, in which you can install any operating system of your choice. Apart from testing a new OS before installing it into the actual PC, you can use this program to do any work that you think may damage your actual system, like hacking, trying out viruses, etc.
One of its most notable features is the drag and drop functionality, which allows you to copy files directly from the virtual OS to the host OS or vice versa. But while files are being copied, you can't use your PC at all.
In addition, to get this feature you should install the VMware tools program into your computer. This set of tools helps you better integrate the VMware client into the host OS. You can also create a virtual network with some virtual clients and the host. NAT, bridged connection, etc. can be easily set up too.
VMware Workstation 7.0 includes a lot more features than the previous versions. In this version the networking functionality and the support for new operating systems have been greatly improved .
Additionally, VMware Player is included in this package. This add-on is very useful, if you want to run multiple operating systems at the same time on your computer such as Windows 7, Chrome OS or the latest Linux. The player also can run an older version of your OS.
One of the newest features included in the player is the "unity mode", which allows to run some virtual applications from the task bar of the host OS. This mode is somewhat slow, but it doesn't cause any problems with any operating system, except for Linux. If you enable "Show position of pointer when the Control key is pressed" option in System > Preferences > Mouse in this OS, the mode might not work correctly.
I really like the VMware Workstation program. It is a suitable tool not only for the professional programmers, but also for every user who is fun of searching for a lot of programs on the net and testing them out.
v8.0.6.35970 [Apr 26, 2011]
VMware Workstation 8 is your on-ramp to the cloud. With over 50+ new features, it’s going to dramatically change the way you work with virtual machines. Save time, enhance collaboration, and do more than you ever thought possible with a PC.
Access Anytime, Anywhere
VMware Workstation provides a seamless way to access all of the virtual machines you need, regardless of where they are running. Connect to Server enables remote connections to virtual machines running on VMware Workstation, VMware vSphere, and VMware vCenter. Now you can work with local and server hosted virtual machines side by side within the same interface. You are no longer constrained by the power of your PC to run multiple virtual machines at the same time.
Share the Benefits
Sharing a virtual machine is quickest way to share and test applications with your team in a more production like environment. Run VMware Workstation as a server to share virtual machines with your teammates, department, or organization. VMware Workstation provides enterprise caliber security to control user access and levels of control.
New UI, New Way to Work
So you can seamlessly work in a connected workspace, VMware Workstation’s user interface has been completely revamped with simplified menus, live thumbnails, improved preferences screens, and a new virtual machine library. The new virtual machine library lists all of your virtual machines and allows you to search for them, whether they are running on your PC, a vSphere server, or team member’s copy of VMware Workstation.
Unleash the Power of Your PC
VMware Workstation takes advantage of the latest hardware to replicate server and desktop environments. Create virtual machines with up to up to 64GB of RAM with significantly improved virtual SMP performance. And now for those times when you need it, virtual VT enables you to run 64-bit nested virtual machines. Additional improvements include improved NAT performance and support for HD audio, SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) and Bluetooth.
From PC to Datacenter
Simply drag and drop a virtual machine to move it from your PC to a VMware vSphere server. It’s the easiest way to deploy a complete application environment from your PC to a server for further testing, demoing, or analysis
Recycle Old Hardware
Quickly and easily convert all those Microsoft Windows and Linux-based physical PCs sitting under or around your desk into VMware Workstation virtual machines. Get all the benefits of virtualization while freeing up desk space and hardware. VMware Workstation includes the latest standalone VMware Converter. Now you can take advantage of VMware Converter updates independently of VMware Workstation updates.
Easier Management
VMware Workstation’s new update agent eliminates the pain of keeping VMware Tools up to date in all of your running Virtual Machines. The agent checks a central repository for VMware Tools updates, eliminating the need to manually install VMware Tools on every PC before update the virtual machines.