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VMware Player Versus VMware Workstation Versus VMware Server

One of the limitations of VMware Player is that you cannot create virtual machines with the VMware Player product. In order to create VMs, you need VMware Workstation (which is not free—you can download it for $189).

Another major product functionality that I saw in the VMware Workstation Edition that was not in the Player Edition is the ability to suspend the state of the virtual machine. This powerful feature allows you to save the current state of a running VM. To return a suspended VM to operation, you simply use the Resume feature. What does this mean for the end user? Think of being able to save the states of all the applications you are currently working on, being able to turn off your computer and then resume to the state where you were working later. Because VMware doesn't really care what physical hardware you are running on, the beauty of being able to suspend and resume is really magnified as you are able to save suspended state VMs and resume these paused VMs on different physical machines.

Another product offering of VMware, Inc. that is distributed freely is VMware Server. VMware Server allows users to create, edit, and play VMs. Unlike the Player and Workstation flavors, VMware servers use a client server model. This allows remote access to VMs over a network.

As a Developer

As a developer, the VMware Player and its price tag (remember, it’s free) open up a lot of possibilities. Let's say I am a book author who wants to teach my readers about the latest software application. Rather than having the user install the software application on his own machine directly, I can opt to ship a VMware image of a free OS (e.g., insert favorite Linux distribution here) with the software application I am writing about already installed on a shiny DVD that is coupled with my book. The book reader can then open up the VMware image and hit the ground running with the software application setup in an unadulterated environment that was pre-tested by the author.

I have personally used VMware Player in situations where I know that I cannot run two versions of a software application on the same machine, but I do have a need to do so. If you are a software developer, back-level operating system testing comes to mind. VMware Player is ideal for software development companies that want to ensure that their software applications do work on older operating systems, but do not have the budgets to maintain dedicated hardware to run legacy operating systems. Without the VMware offering, a developer might opt to run different boot partitions on the same machine, but with VMware, a developer doesn't have to worry about such a complex setup.

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Collection and Use of Information


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Customer Service

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Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

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Do Not Track

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Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

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Correcting/Updating Personal Information


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Sale of Personal Information


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While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

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Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020