Vmware: Difference between revisions

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<span id="vmware"></span>
= VMware =
= VMware =


 
== Introduction to VMware ==
== Introduction to VMWare ==  


VMware is a popular virtualization platform that offers both free and commercial products. As of May 2024, VMware Workstation Pro is available for free personal use, making it an excellent option for beginners who want to separate their work, school, and individual activities safely.
VMware is a popular virtualization platform that offers both free and commercial products. As of May 2024, VMware Workstation Pro is available for free personal use, making it an excellent option for beginners who want to separate their work, school, and individual activities safely.


<span id="why-use-vmware"></span>
== Why Use VMware? ==
== Why Use VMware? ==


<span id="isolation-and-security"></span>
=== Isolation and Security ===
=== Isolation and Security ===


Using VMware, you can run different operating systems and applications in isolated environments called virtual machines (VMs). This helps prevent malware or viruses from spreading to your main computer. For example, if you download a suspicious file or visit a potentially harmful website within a VM, any potential threats are contained and cannot affect your primary operating system.
Using VMware, you can run different operating systems and applications in isolated environments called virtual machines (VMs). This helps prevent malware or viruses from spreading to your main computer. For example, if you download a suspicious file or visit a potentially harmful website within a VM, any potential threats are contained and cannot affect your primary operating system.


<span id="restoring-to-a-safe-point"></span>
=== Restoring to a Safe Point ===
=== Restoring to a Safe Point ===


VMware allows you to take snapshots of your VM, essentially backups of the VM at a specific time. Suppose your VM becomes infected with malware or you make a mistake during a software installation. In that case, you can restore the VM to a previous snapshot, effectively undoing any changes and returning to a safe state.
VMware allows you to take snapshots of your VM, essentially backups of the VM at a specific time. If your VM becomes infected with malware or you make a mistake during a software installation, you can restore the VM to a previous snapshot, effectively undoing any changes and returning to a safe state.


<span id="example"></span>
==== Example: ====
==== Example: ====
* Before installing new software or visiting a risky website, take a snapshot of your VM.
* If anything goes wrong, restore the VM to the snapshot before the change.


= Before installing new software or visiting a risky website, take a snapshot of your VM. =
= If anything goes wrong, restore the VM to the snapshot before the change. =
<span id="separating-work-and-personal-activities"></span>
=== Separating Work and Personal Activities ===
=== Separating Work and Personal Activities ===


VMware allows you to create multiple VMs for different purposes. For instance, you can have one VM dedicated to work-related tasks and another for personal activities. This ensures that any issues or changes in one VM do not affect the other, helping you maintain a clean and organized computing environment.
VMware allows you to create multiple VMs for different purposes. For instance, you can have one VM dedicated to work-related tasks and another for personal activities. This ensures that any issues or changes in one VM do not affect the other, helping you maintain a clean and organized computing environment.


<span id="educational-use"></span>
=== Educational Use ===
=== Educational Use ===


VMware is also useful for educational purposes, such as running software required by your school that may not be compatible with your main operating system. For example, you can run Windows-only educational software on a Mac by creating a Windows VM using VMware.
VMware is also useful for educational purposes, such as running software required by your school that may not be compatible with your main operating system. For example, you can run Windows-only educational software on a Mac by creating a Windows VM using VMware.


<span id="example-1"></span>
==== Example: ====
==== Example: ====
* Create a VM with the operating system required by your educational software.
* Install and run the software within the VM without affecting your main operating system.


= Create a VM with the operating system required by your educational software. =
== VMware Workstation vs. VMware Fusion ==
= Install and run the software within the VM without affecting your main operating system. ## VMware Workstation vs. VMware Fusion =


<span id="introduction"></span>
=== Introduction ===
VMware Workstation and VMware Fusion are desktop virtualization products developed by VMware, but they are designed for different platforms and user experiences. Below, we outline the key differences to help you choose the right tool.
<span id="vmware-workstation-linux-and-windows-users"></span>
=== VMware Workstation (Linux and Windows Users) ===
=== VMware Workstation (Linux and Windows Users) ===


<span id="platform-compatibility"></span>
==== Platform Compatibility ====
==== Platform Compatibility ====
* '''Operating Systems:''' Designed for Windows and Linux users.
* '''User Interface:''' Familiar to Windows and Linux users, making it easy to manage virtual machines on these platforms.


'' '''Operating Systems:''' VMware Workstation is primarily designed for Windows and Linux users.
'' '''User Interface:''' Provides a user interface familiar to Windows and Linux users, making it easy to manage and use virtual machines on these platforms.
<span id="key-features"></span>
==== Key Features ====
==== Key Features ====
* '''Advanced Virtualization:''' Supports complex virtualization features, including advanced networking configurations and integration with VMware products like vSphere.
* '''Snapshots and Clones:''' Useful for testing and development.
* '''Hardware Compatibility:''' Extensive support for various hardware configurations.


'' '''Advanced Virtualization:''' This product supports complex virtualization features, including advanced networking configurations and integration with other VMware products like vSphere.
'' '''Snapshots and Clones:''' This feature allows users to take snapshots and create clones of their virtual machines, which is useful for testing and development.
'' '''Hardware Compatibility:''' Offers extensive support for various hardware configurations, making it suitable for various use cases.
<span id="vmware-fusion-macos-users"></span>
=== VMware Fusion (MacOS Users) ===
=== VMware Fusion (MacOS Users) ===


<span id="platform-compatibility-1"></span>
==== Platform Compatibility ====
==== Platform Compatibility ====
* '''Operating Systems:''' Designed specifically for macOS users.
* '''User Interface:''' Integrates seamlessly with macOS features.


'' '''Operating Systems:''' VMware Fusion is designed specifically for macOS users.
'' '''User Interface:''' Offers a macOS-native experience, integrating seamlessly with macOS features and providing a familiar environment for Mac users.
<span id="key-features-1"></span>
==== Key Features ====
==== Key Features ====
* '''macOS Integration:''' Support for Retina displays, Apple services, and macOS functionalities.
* '''Simplicity:''' Streamlined interface for creating and managing virtual machines.
* '''Unity Mode:''' Allows Windows applications to run alongside macOS applications seamlessly.


'' '''macOS Integration:''' Fusion provides tight integration with macOS features, such as support for Retina displays, integration with Apple services, and support for macOS-specific functionalities.
'' '''Simplicity:''' Its focus is on ease of use, with a streamlined interface that simplifies the creation and management of virtual machines for Mac users.
'' '''Unity Mode:''' Allows Mac users to run Windows applications seamlessly alongside their macOS applications, providing a cohesive user experience.
<span id="summary-of-differences"></span>
=== Summary of Differences ===
=== Summary of Differences ===


Line 96: Line 69:
| '''User Interface'''
| '''User Interface'''
| Familiar to Windows/Linux users
| Familiar to Windows/Linux users
| macOS-native, integrates with macOS
| macOS-native
|-
|-
| '''Hardware Support'''
| '''Hardware Support'''
Line 104: Line 77:
| '''Integration'''
| '''Integration'''
| Advanced network and VMware product integration
| Advanced network and VMware product integration
| macOS-specific features, Apple services
| macOS-specific features
|-
|-
| '''Unique Feature'''
| '''Unique Feature'''
| Advanced networking, vSphere integration
| Advanced networking, vSphere integration
| Unity Mode for seamless app integration
| Unity Mode
|}
|}
<span id="getting-started-with-vmware"></span>
 
== Getting Started with VMware ==
== Getting Started with VMware ==


<span id="installation"></span>
=== Installation ===
=== Installation ===


Sign Up for a VMWare Account [https://profile.broadcom.com/web/registration here]
* Sign up for a VMware account [https://profile.broadcom.com/web/registration here].
 
* Download VMware Workstation Pro or VMware Fusion from:
“Agree to Terms” and Download the Virtualizer App from the [https://www.vmware.com/products/workstation-pro.html VMware website]
  * [https://www.vmware.com/products/workstation-pro.html VMware Workstation Pro]
 
  * [https://support.broadcom.com/group/ecx/productdownloads?subfamily=VMware+Fusion VMware Fusion]
== VMWare Workstation Pro (Windows and Linux PC) ==
* Fill in your information: <pre>100 Main St. San Diego, CA, 22434</pre> worked well enough to download.
[https://support.broadcom.com/group/ecx/productdownloads?subfamily=VMware+Workstation+Pro here]
* Follow the installation instructions for your operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux).
 
* License Key Selection: Select “Personal Use”
== VMWare Fusion (MacOS) ==
* Launch VMware Workstation Pro and follow the prompts to create a new virtual machine.
[https://support.broadcom.com/group/ecx/productdownloads?subfamily=VMware+Fusion here]
 
Fill in your information: <code>100 Main St. San Diego, CA, 22434</code> worked well enough to download.
 
Follow the installation instructions for your operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux).


License Key Selection: Select “Personal Use”
=== Download ISO ===


Launch VMware Workstation Pro and follow the prompts to create a new virtual machine.
An ISO is an operating system file used to create a virtual machine. Download options include:
 
See VMWare Fusion Guides and Documentation:
* ''[https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Fusion/index.html VMWare Fusion Pro]''
* [https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Workstation-Pro/index.html VMWare Workstation Pro]
 
== Download ISO ==
An ISO is an operating system file. You’ll use it to build your virtual computer, the operating system inside your virtual machine.
 
Download an ISO such as:
* [https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php Linux Mint] (Simple and Easy to Use)
* [https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php Linux Mint] (Simple and Easy to Use)
* [https://pop.system76.com Pop!_OS] (Simple and for Gaming)
* [https://pop.system76.com Pop!_OS] (Gaming)
* [https://www.kali.org/get-kali/#kali-platforms Kali] (Red Team, Purple Team, Research, RF)
* [https://www.kali.org/get-kali/#kali-platforms Kali] (Security, Research)
* [https://www.kali.org/get-kali/#kali-installer-images VM images ready to run]
* [https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop Ubuntu] (Most Popular)
* [[dragonos|DragonOS]] (RF and SDR)
* [[dragonos|DragonOS]] (RF and SDR)
* [https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop Ubuntu] (This is the most used version but has some slight privacy concerns. To resolve this, don’t opt-in to send your data.)
* [https://archlinux.org/download/ Arch] - [https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Installation_guide Installation Guide]


Remember where you download this ISO to, as you’ll need to find it when creating a VM.
<span id="creating-a-virtual-machine-vm"></span>
=== Creating a Virtual Machine (VM) ===
=== Creating a Virtual Machine (VM) ===


Creating a Virtual Machine:
* Open VMware Workstation Pro and click “Create a New Virtual Machine.”
* From ISO: Open VMware Workstation Pro and click “Create a New Virtual Machine.”
* Select the installation media (ISO file) and configure the VM settings (RAM, CPU, disk space).
* Windows Virtual Machine: Select get Windows from Microsoft and go through the prompts. This is a free and official version.
* Follow the wizard to complete setup and start your new VM.


Follow the wizard to select the installation media (ISO file) and configure the VM settings (RAM, CPU, disk space).
Complete the setup and start your new VM.
See VMWare Fusion Guides and Documentation:
* ''[https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Fusion/index.html VMWare Fusion Pro]''
* [https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Workstation-Pro/index.html VMWare Workstation Pro]
<span id="taking-snapshots"></span>
=== Taking Snapshots ===
=== Taking Snapshots ===


This is not a snapshot of the screen but rather a restore point that you can access anytime!
Snapshots are restore points for your VM:
 
* Go to VM > Snapshot > Take Snapshot.
1. To take a snapshot, select the VM and go to VM > Snapshot > Take Snapshot.
* Name the snapshot and provide a description.
2. Name the snapshot and provide a description.
* To restore, use VM > Snapshot > Snapshot Manager.
3. To restore a snapshot, select the VM and go to VM > Snapshot > Snapshot Manager, then select the snapshot to restore.


See VMWare Fusion Guides and Documentation:
* ''[https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Fusion/index.html VMWare Fusion Pro]''
* [https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Workstation-Pro/index.html VMWare Workstation Pro]
<span id="faq"></span>
== FAQ ==
== FAQ ==


Q: Isn’t that (VMWare) owned by China now?
'''Q: Is VMware owned by China?'''
A: US company based in San Jose. [https://www.investopedia.com/broadcom-finally-closes-purchase-of-vmware-after-chinese-regulators-approve-8406184#:~:text=Key%20Takeaways,all%2Dtime%20high%20on%20Monday. source]
* A: VMware is a US-based company headquartered in San Jose, CA [https://www.investopedia.com/broadcom-finally-closes-purchase-of-vmware-after-chinese-regulators-approve-8406184#:~:text=Key%20Takeaways,all%2Dtime%20high%20on%20Monday source].


<span id="related-pages"></span>
== Related Pages ==
== Related Pages ==
* [[setup-virtualbox|VirtualBox]]
* [[setup-virtualbox|VirtualBox]]
* [[docker|Docker]]
* [[docker|Docker]]

Latest revision as of 18:33, 3 December 2024

VMware

Introduction to VMware

VMware is a popular virtualization platform that offers both free and commercial products. As of May 2024, VMware Workstation Pro is available for free personal use, making it an excellent option for beginners who want to separate their work, school, and individual activities safely.

Why Use VMware?

Isolation and Security

Using VMware, you can run different operating systems and applications in isolated environments called virtual machines (VMs). This helps prevent malware or viruses from spreading to your main computer. For example, if you download a suspicious file or visit a potentially harmful website within a VM, any potential threats are contained and cannot affect your primary operating system.

Restoring to a Safe Point

VMware allows you to take snapshots of your VM, essentially backups of the VM at a specific time. If your VM becomes infected with malware or you make a mistake during a software installation, you can restore the VM to a previous snapshot, effectively undoing any changes and returning to a safe state.

Example:

  • Before installing new software or visiting a risky website, take a snapshot of your VM.
  • If anything goes wrong, restore the VM to the snapshot before the change.

Separating Work and Personal Activities

VMware allows you to create multiple VMs for different purposes. For instance, you can have one VM dedicated to work-related tasks and another for personal activities. This ensures that any issues or changes in one VM do not affect the other, helping you maintain a clean and organized computing environment.

Educational Use

VMware is also useful for educational purposes, such as running software required by your school that may not be compatible with your main operating system. For example, you can run Windows-only educational software on a Mac by creating a Windows VM using VMware.

Example:

  • Create a VM with the operating system required by your educational software.
  • Install and run the software within the VM without affecting your main operating system.

VMware Workstation vs. VMware Fusion

VMware Workstation (Linux and Windows Users)

Platform Compatibility

  • Operating Systems: Designed for Windows and Linux users.
  • User Interface: Familiar to Windows and Linux users, making it easy to manage virtual machines on these platforms.

Key Features

  • Advanced Virtualization: Supports complex virtualization features, including advanced networking configurations and integration with VMware products like vSphere.
  • Snapshots and Clones: Useful for testing and development.
  • Hardware Compatibility: Extensive support for various hardware configurations.

VMware Fusion (MacOS Users)

Platform Compatibility

  • Operating Systems: Designed specifically for macOS users.
  • User Interface: Integrates seamlessly with macOS features.

Key Features

  • macOS Integration: Support for Retina displays, Apple services, and macOS functionalities.
  • Simplicity: Streamlined interface for creating and managing virtual machines.
  • Unity Mode: Allows Windows applications to run alongside macOS applications seamlessly.

Summary of Differences

Feature VMware Workstation VMware Fusion
Primary Platform Windows, Linux macOS
User Interface Familiar to Windows/Linux users macOS-native
Hardware Support Extensive Optimized for Mac hardware
Integration Advanced network and VMware product integration macOS-specific features
Unique Feature Advanced networking, vSphere integration Unity Mode

Getting Started with VMware

Installation

  • Sign up for a VMware account here.
  • Download VMware Workstation Pro or VMware Fusion from:
 * VMware Workstation Pro
 * VMware Fusion
  • Fill in your information:
    100 Main St. San Diego, CA, 22434
    worked well enough to download.
  • Follow the installation instructions for your operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux).
  • License Key Selection: Select “Personal Use”
  • Launch VMware Workstation Pro and follow the prompts to create a new virtual machine.

Download ISO

An ISO is an operating system file used to create a virtual machine. Download options include:

Creating a Virtual Machine (VM)

  • Open VMware Workstation Pro and click “Create a New Virtual Machine.”
  • Select the installation media (ISO file) and configure the VM settings (RAM, CPU, disk space).
  • Follow the wizard to complete setup and start your new VM.

Taking Snapshots

Snapshots are restore points for your VM:

  • Go to VM > Snapshot > Take Snapshot.
  • Name the snapshot and provide a description.
  • To restore, use VM > Snapshot > Snapshot Manager.

FAQ

Q: Is VMware owned by China?

  • A: VMware is a US-based company headquartered in San Jose, CA source.

Related Pages