Specifications

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VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide
Using Parallel Ports
VMware GSX Server supports a partial emulation of bidirectional PS/2-style ports.
On Linux hosts, GSX Server requires that the parallel port “PC-style hardware” option
(CONFIG_PARPORT_PC) be built and loaded as a kernel module (that is, it must be
set to “m”). GSX Server is unable to use parallel port devices if
CONFIG_PARPORT_PC is built directly (compiled) into the kernel. This limitation
exists because CONFIG_PARPORT_PC does not correctly export its symbols.
The following sections describe how to use parallel ports with GSX Server:
• About Parallel Ports on page 290
• Adding a Parallel Port in a Virtual Machine on page 290
• Configuring a Parallel Port on a Linux Host on page 292
• Special Notes for the Iomega Zip Drive on page 295
About Parallel Ports
Parallel ports are used by a variety of devices, including printers, scanners, dongles
and disk drives.
Currently, GSX Server provides only partial emulation of PS/2 hardware. Specifically,
interrupts requested by a device connected to the physical port are not passed to the
virtual machine. Also, the guest operating system cannot use DMA (direct memory
access) to move data to or from the port. For this reason, not all devices that attach to
the parallel port are guaranteed to work correctly.
You can attach up to three parallel ports to a virtual machine. The virtual parallel port
can connect to a parallel port or a file on the host operating system.
Adding a Parallel Port in a Virtual Machine
If the virtual machine is configured with a parallel port, most guest operating systems
automatically detect it at installation time and install the required drivers. Some
operating systems, including Linux, Windows NT and Windows 2000, automatically
detect the ports at boot time. Others, like Windows 95 and Windows 98, do not.
To add a parallel port to the virtual machine’s configuration, complete the following
steps with the virtual machine powered off. You can add the device from the console
or from the management interface.
Note: In a Windows 95 or Windows 98 guest, run the guest operating system’s Add
New Hardware Wizard (Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add New Hardware) after
you add the port and let Windows detect the new device.