VMware Workstation Player 3.0

VMWare player is the best desktop virtualization software available. It is a program that can be used to run different operating systems on the same computer. For example, if you install it in Windows, you can create a Virtual Disk (just a big file to reserve some space) and install another operating system (like Ubuntu) on it (file). A portion of RAM is to be set aside for this OS to be run. Well, this is a very much flexible thing, quite useful for testing purposes.

It supports many versions of Windows and Linux, including Solaris. It can also be used to run Apple MAC, but that is something difficult to do. The newest version (3.0) of WMware Player supports 32bit and 64bit OS, but a 64bit client can be installed in a 64bit computer, with 64bit OS only.

Well, the program is quite fast and comes with the VMware tools installed on the client (a free download). VMware Tools is available for most OS. But as the system is virtual, the graphical capabilities are limited. For newer computer systems, like those of Intel Core2 and i7, we have the Intel Virtualization capabilities that can be used to speed up things further.

The program has a simple interface, with a brand new appearance in this version. We may set the buttons to hide it automatically so as to get the effect of working on a real PC. The devices (CD Drive, Floppy Drive, Bluetooth, Networking device, etc.) can be plugged or unplugged easily. The networking can be done in many ways, bridged, NAT, or setting up a private network with the client. So, we can transfer data either by networking or just by dragging and dropping files to the program.

The OS installation can be fully automated predefining the installation keys, user names and passwords, etc. If you need to convert your PC installation into a virtual PC, then you need to download additional tools like the VMware converter.

Similar software to look for is the Microsoft Virtual PC, also a freeware program, but it has limited capabilities with other operating systems than Windows.