VMware GSX Server 2.5.2

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When you view a virtual machine through a local or remote console, it behaves much like a physical computer that runs in a window on your computer's desktop.

Depending on your permissions, you may not be able to perform certain activities in a console, such as saving a configuration as a new configuration file or accessing the Configuration Editor. For more information about permissions, see Securing Your Virtual Machines.

Instead of using physical buttons to turn this computer on and off, you use buttons in the toolbar at the top of the console window.

Local console toolbar when virtual machine is powered off (Windows host)

Toolbar when virtual machine is powered off (Linux host)

Local console toolbar when virtual machine is powered on (Windows host)

Toolbar when virtual machine is powered on (Linux host)

Local console toolbar when virtual machine is suspended (Windows host)

Toolbar when virtual machine is suspended (Linux host)

On a Windows host, there are separate Power Off and Power On buttons. When you suspend a virtual machine, the Power On button becomes a Resume button. In addition, each button has an arrow next to it that, when clicked, opens a menu of sub-options related to the power button. These options are also available on the Power menu. For more information, see Special Power Options for Virtual Machines.

On a Linux host, the power button is labeled Power On or Power Off, depending on whether your virtual machine is running or not. There are special power options available on the Power menu. For more information, see Special Power Options for Virtual Machines.

On a Windows host, an alert appears at the bottom left corner of the GSX Server console window when your virtual machine is not running the version of VMware Tools that matches your version of GSX Server.

You see a small icon and a note you can click to begin installing VMware Tools. This gives you a quick way to launch the VMware Tools installer. It is especially useful immediately after you install the guest operating system in a new virtual machine.

On a Linux host, a note in the bottom bar of the GSX Server console window alerts you when your virtual machine is not running the version of VMware Tools that matches your version of GSX Server. To launch the VMware Tools installer, choose Settings > VMware Tools Install.

Note: Your guest operating system must be completely installed and running when you install VMware Tools.

For details, see Installing VMware Tools.

Once you power on the virtual machine, you can interact with it just as you do with a physical computer. In addition, you can take advantage of the special capabilities specific to virtual machines. For more information on these capabilities, see Running Virtual Machines.