VMware Workstation Player

VMware Player lets users run multiple operating systems on one computer. Do you have to run Windows for work but prefer Linux for pleasure? Not a problem!

The program is plain and intuitive, with a wizard design that walks you through each step of the virtual machine creation process. The opening menu lets you select whether you want to create a new virtual machine, open an existing virtual machine, upgrade to VMware Workstation, or view the program's HTML Help file. We chose to create a new virtual machine, and the program asked us to choose whether we were using an installation disk, using a disk image, or installing the operating system later. You can select whether you're installing Windows, Linux, Novell NetWare, Sun Solaris, or another operating system, and choose the correct version from a drop-down menu. You are then asked to choose a name and location for the virtual machine and to set its maximum size. Click Finish and the program goes to work creating your virtual machine. VMware Player is very easy to use, even for novices, and the HTML Help file is well-written and thorough. The program may not be as full-featured as some other virtual machine applications, but it should meet the needs of most users, especially those who don't want to have to purchase software.

VMware Player installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend this program.