2.5

Getting Started with VMware Player
This chapter includes the following topics:
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“What Is VMware Player?,” on page 7
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“Installing and Running VMware Player,” on page 10
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“Uninstalling VMware Player,” on page 12
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“Supported Host and Guest Operating Systems for VMware Player,” on page 13
What Is VMware Player?
VMware Player is a free desktop application that lets you perform the following functions:
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Run virtual machines on a Windows or Linux PC.
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Run virtual machines without investing in virtualization software, making it easy to take advantage of
the security, flexibility, and portability of virtual machines.
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Use host machine devices, such as CD and DVD drives, from the virtual machine.
VMware Player provides an intuitive user interface for running preconfigured virtual machines created with
VMware Workstation, ESX Server, VMware Server, VMware Fusion, and GSX Server. On Windows host
machines, you can use VMware Player to open and run Microsoft Virtual PC and Microsoft Virtual Server
virtual machines, and Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery, formerly LiveState Recovery, system images.
VMware Player also lets you download virtual appliances and access Open Virtualization Format (OVF) and
Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) files. For information on VMware Player compatible virtual machines and
system images, see “Compatible Virtual Machines and System Images,” on page 9.
VMware Player makes VMware virtual machines accessible to colleagues, partners, customers, and clients,
whether or not they have purchased VMware products. Anyone who downloads VMware Player can open
and run compatible virtual machines.
NOTE Use of VMware Player is subject to the VMware Player end-user license terms. VMware provides no
support for VMware Player. You can download VMware Player from the VMware Web site.
You can also download virtual appliances to use with VMware Player from the Virtual Appliance Marketplace
from the VMware Web site. For information on installing VMware Player, see “Installing and Running VMware
Player,” on page 10.
For self-help resources, see the VMware Player FAQ under the VMware Desktop Virtualization Products
section of the VMware Web site. You can also participate in the VMware Player Discussion Forum under the
VMware Technology Network (VMTN) section of the VMware Web site. The forum enables VMTN members
to exchange information, questions, and comments regarding VMware products, services, and product support
issues.
VMware, Inc.
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