VMware Fusion

VMware Fusion is a software hypervisor developed by VMware and released on August 2007. The program enables users with Macs running on an Intel processor to install another operating system other than the native Mac OS X operating system, and run both at the same time. The program supports Microsoft Windows, NetWare, Solaris, and Linux operating systems. These additional operating systems will be run on a virtual machine. The program utilizes a function called paravirtualization or hardware virtualization. This function enables users to create a virtual machine containing the hardware components of the real machine. VMware Fusion was only made possible when Apple computers utilized Intel processors.

VMware Fusion features Unity View. It is a desktop environment that optionally hides the Start menu and taskbar by Windows. It also enables users to run Windows programs from the OS X dock. The program likewise supports the drag and drop capability when moving files from a Windows PC to a Mac, and vice versa. The program also supports both 32-bit and 64-bit guest operating systems. VMware Fusion also offers Snapshots. This feature allows users to return to the virtual machine by creating a snapshot of a stable state of the guest operating system. Thus, there is no need for a reboot before accessing the virtual machine. The program also offers multi-display support, as well as application sharing between the native operating system and the guest operating system.