VMware Tools

VMware Tools are meant to enhance the performance of virtual machines. Its installation is optional; however, certain tasks and features are not available without it being installed.

VMware Tools installs itself as a service and starts when the guest operating system boots.

Its main functions are as follows:

• Pass information between the guest OS and host and send heartbeats to the host indicating that the guest OS is running

• Execute scripts if the power state of a VM changes

• Synchronize the time of the guest OS with the time on the host

• Allow the mouse pointer to move freely outside the console window

• Fit screen resolutions of the guest to the size of the console window or to that of the client's resolution when in full-screen mode

• Help create a snapshot of the Windows guest

Many of the preceding features are accomplished with drivers that are installed together with the service. For example:

• The SVGA driver adjusts screen resolution and improves graphics performance

• The mouse driver allows...