12.0

Table Of Contents
n The Unity feature, which enables an application in a virtual machine to appear on the host
desktop like any other application window
n Shared folders between host and guest file systems
n Copying and pasting text, graphics, and files between the virtual machine and the host or
client desktop
n Improved mouse performance
n Synchronization of the clock in the virtual machine with the clock on the host or client
desktop
n Scripting that helps automate guest operating system operations
n Enables guest customization for virtual machines.
Although the guest operating system can run without VMware Tools, you would lose important
functionality and convenience.
You can use the Windows Easy Install or Linux Easy Install feature to install VMware Tools as
soon as the operating system is finished installing.
In the case of Windows Easy Install or Linux Easy Install, Fusion installs VMware Tools as soon as
it finishes installing the operating system. When you finish installing the operating system in your
new virtual machine by any other means (rebooting the virtual machine when prompted), install
VMware Tools.
Not all features are supported on all guests.
You can use the VMware Tools control panel to set various options that optimize your guest
operating system for use in a virtual machine.
Installing or Upgrading VMware Tools
Installing VMware Tools is part of the process of creating a new virtual machine, and upgrading
VMware Tools is part of the process of keeping your virtual machine up to current standards.
How you install or upgrade VMware Tools depends on the operating system and the source you
use for the tools.
VMware upgrades VMware Tools frequently to support new devices and to add enhancements
that improve the performance of your virtual machines. When you upgrade Fusion, you should
also upgrade VMware Tools.
In Windows virtual machines, you can set VMware Tools to notify you when an upgrade is
available. If this notification option is enabled, the VMware Tools icon in the Windows taskbar
includes a yellow caution icon ( ) when a VMware Tools upgrade is available.
Manually Installing VMware Tools on a Windows Virtual Machine
Guest operating system Windows 2000 and earlier, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003,
Windows Vista, and later support VMware Tools.
Using VMware Fusion
VMware, Inc. 78