Virtual machines can be a very useful tool as they allow users to use several operating systems simultaneously on one computer. You need to use Windows for your work, but prefer Linux for fun? This is not a problem! Virtual machines give you the best of both worlds, and VMware Player is a very easy way to do it.
The program is very easy and intuitive to use, with an assistant that guides you through each step of the process of creating virtual machines. The main menu allows you to choose whether you want to create a new virtual machine, open an existing virtual machine, switch to the VMware Workstation, or view the program’s Help file in HTML format. When the user chooses to create a new virtual machine, the program will ask you to choose whether to use an installation disc, an operating system image, or install the operating system at a later stage. You can choose whether to install Windows, Linux, Novell NetWare, Sun Solaris, or another operating system, and select the correct version from the drop-down menu.
VMware Player prompts you to choose a name and location for the virtual machine and determine the maximum resources allocated. Click Finish and the program starts working on creating your virtual machine. VMware Player is very easy to use, even for beginners, and the help HTML file is well written and in-depth.
The program may not be fully functional, like some other virtual machine applications, but it meets the needs of most users, especially those who do not want to spend money on software.
The program allows you to restore previous states of the virtual machine, use Drag & Drop, copy and paste between your normal operating system and the virtual one, share folders, set IP addresses and connect to a network and many other options.
VMware Workstation Player Features
Easy PC Virtualization for Windows and Linux
The program provides a streamlined user interface for creating, running and evaluating operating systems and applications in a virtual machine on Windows or Linux PCs. Easily interact and exchange data between applications running in the virtual machine and the desktop.
Unmatched OS Support for Ultimate Compatibility
VMware Player supports hundreds of guest operating systems – old and new. Therefore you can continue to run the applications you need in a virtual machine for as long as you want. VMware Workstation Player is the best way to run multiple operating systems and corporate desktops in an isolated and protected environment on modern hardware.
Virtual Machine Portability
With VMware Player you can containerize complete desktop environments in a virtual machine and easily share. There you can include the operating system, applications and user configurations. Instead of buying and shipping additional hardware, reduce cost by simply providing VMware Player along with a virtual machine containing your secure desktop image.
Run Restricted Virtual Machines
Workstation Player has the ability to run restricted virtual machines created by VMware Workstation or VMware Fusion Pro. Restricted virtual machines are the easiest way to secure corporate desktops with encryption, runtime password protection, USB access restriction, isolation between the host and guest OS, and time limitation.
Consolidate and Recycle Old PC Hardware
Use the free VMware vCenter Converter utility accessible from this Player to turn existing Windows and Linux based computers into virtual machines. And eliminate the need to re-install and re-configure your existing OS and applications. Once converted, use Workstation Player to manage and run all your virtual machine on new hardware.
Free for Personal Use
VMware Workstation Player is licensed for commercial use and is enabled to run restricted virtual machines. If you simply want to learn more about virtual machines or run them at home in a non-commercial environment, you may use this software at no cost.
License: Freeware.
What’s New in VMware Player 16.2.3
Download: VMware Player 16.2.3 (584 MB)
Download: VMware Player 16.2.0 (584 MB)