6.0

Using the vSphere Client 1
The vSphere Client is an interface for administering vCenter Server and ESXi.
The vSphere Client user interface is configured based on the server to which it is connected:
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When the server is a vCenter Server system, the vSphere Client displays all the options available to the
vSphere environment, according to the licensing configuration and the user permissions.
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When the server is an ESXi host, the vSphere Client displays only the options appropriate to single host
management.
NOTE If you want to enable an Active Directory user to log in to a vCenter Server instance by using the
vSphere Client with SSPI, you must join the vCenter Server instance to the Active Directory domain. For
information on how to join a vCenter Server Appliance with an external Platform Services Controller to an
Active Directory domain, see the VMware knowledge base article at http://kb.vmware.com/kb/2118543.
When you first log in to the vSphere Client, it displays a Home page with icons that you select to access
vSphere Client functions. When you log out of the vSphere Client, the client application retains the view
that was displayed when it closed, and returns you to that view when you next log in.
You perform many management tasks from the Inventory view, which consists of a single window
containing a menu bar, a navigation bar, a toolbar, a status bar, a panel section, and pop-up menus.
This chapter includes the following topics:
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“Start the vSphere Client and Log In,” on page 14
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“Stop the vSphere Client and Log Out,” on page 14
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“Status Bar and Recent Tasks,” on page 14
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“Getting Started Tabs,” on page 15
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“View Virtual Machine Console,” on page 15
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“Using Lists,” on page 16
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“Save vSphere Client Data,” on page 17
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“Panel Sections,” on page 17
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“Searching the vSphere Inventory,” on page 17
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“Custom Attributes,” on page 18
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“Select Objects,” on page 20
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“Manage vCenter Server Plug-Ins,” on page 20
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“Working with Active Sessions,” on page 21
VMware, Inc.
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