VMware Fusion
Preparing Your Mac for VMWare Installation
Intended Audience
This article is intended for WSU Mac laptop users and/or those who are interested in learning more about the Mac application, VMware Fusion.
Important Information
- VMWare installed in two parts: VMware License and then the Windows install.
- VMware may run slow with certain windows applications because it is sharing memory with the Mac operating system.
- Corrupt files may be caused by viruses and spyware.
- If a file in VMware becomes corrupt data stored within on the PC side may be lost/unrecoverable.
- Most of the time corrupt files in VMware will require that the windows side of the laptop image be reimaged.
- The VMware application should be shut down after every use. Do not just shut the lid with VMware running. If you do not do this it can cause file corruption.
- You should start up your machine and VMware at least one hour before you will be using any application via VMware.
- Check to see if the app is available in Software Additions for the Mac before you install it on VMware. Running Mac application on your Mac will work much better for you.
- Your VMware license will expire after one year. If you wish to renew your license you will be responsible for the additional year cost.
Overview
Fusion is a Mac application that allows users to install Microsoft Windows on their Mac laptop and then switch between the Mac and Windows operating systems quickly and easily, without restarting their laptop. All WSU students, faculty, and staff who lease a Mac laptop through the e-Warrior Digital Life and Learning Program can arrange to have Windows 7 and Fusion installed. Consult the Preparing Your Mac For VMware Fusion article for installation instructions.
Licensing
Faculty and Students: VMware is free for one year.
Staff: VMware is NOT free. Cost is $35 and it must be purchased from On-the-hub.
Introducing Fusion
Fusion is a program that allows Windows to run on Intel-based Mac. Fusion replaced Bootcamp on Macs starting Fall Semester 2010.
Layout of Controls
1. Suspend Button: Clicking this button saves the state of the virtual machine. Next time you start the virtual machine, you can begin where you last left off.
2. Take Snapshot Button: Clicking this button allows you to save the state of the virtual machine, which can be accessed again by pressing the "Rollback" button. Selecting this option saves the state of the virtual machine longer than selecting suspend.
3. Rollback Button: Click this button to restore a snapshot.
4. Settings Button: Use this button to adjust hardware settings of the virtual machine. Warning: Changing these settings can drastically alter the performance of the virtual machine.
5. Unity Button: Click this button to integrate open Windows programs into the Finder. After selecting this option, Mac OS will treat these programs as if they are running as Mac programs.
6. Full Screen Button: Use this button to extend the virtual machine into full screen mode. See keyboard shortcuts for more information on working in full screen mode.
Opening Fusion
When the program opens, the window below will be displayed. Refer to this diagram to familiarize yourself with the options in this window.
1. Clicking either of these buttons will start the virtual machine. A new window will open with the guest operating system.
2. Clicking this button will automatically open the virtual machine when Fusion opens.
Logging on to Windows
There are two methods to log on to Windows. The first is to hold down fn + control + option + delete. The second is to go to Virtual Machine > Send Ctrl-Alt-Delete. You should now be able to enter your password and log on to Windows. Refer to the diagram below.
Using Fusion
Basics
Fusion works as a virtual machine, which essentially has its own virtual hardware and configuration. When running the program, Windows is considered the "guest" operating system and Mac OS is considered the "native" operating system. What is important to remember here is that when the guest operating system is operating, the native operating system continues to run at the same time.
To use Windows, simply click inside the Fusion window. You can now control the arrow inside the Windows system only. To return to the Mac system, press the Command + Control buttons. Refer to keyboard commands below for more information.
Keyboard Commands
Return to Mac | Command + Control |
Toggle Full Screen | Command + Control + Return |
Toggle Unity Mode | Command + Control + U |
Toggle Single Window | Command + Control + S |
Hide Application | Command + H |
Hide Other Applications | Command + Option + H |
Unity Mode
Unity mode integrates open Windows programs into the Mac OS Finder. By selecting this option, you can run your Mac and Windows programs in a seamless environment. It also has the option to hide the start menu and taskbar, running Windows applications from the dock in the Finder. When working in unity mode, open Windows programs will operate as though they were a Mac program. For example, clicking "minimize" on the window will minimize the program into the dock, just as it would on a Mac.
Unity mode also allows for the direct access to programs directly through the finder. To open a Windows program through the Finder, click on the Fusion logo on the Mac OS menubar. This opens a start menu directly in the Finder. Use this start menu as you would on a Windows computer.
To return to single window or full screen mode, go to the "view" menu and select the respective option. This will integrate any open Windows programs back into the Windows environment.
Transferring Files
Fusion offers a way to seamlessly access/transfer files from Mac to Windows, and vice versa. The first option is to simply drag and drop the file or folder of your choice from one window to the other. You can also access the files on your Mac by opening "VMware Shared Folders" on the desktop of the Windows virtual machine.
Getting VMware Fusion
Fusion will be available starting in Fall 2010. To get Fusion, you will need to sign up for a workshop at the Front Desk in Somsen 207. The workshop runs around 1.5 hours.
Before you sign up for a Fusion Workshop, you will need to complete the steps found in Preparing Your Mac For VMware Fusion. After completing these steps, you will need to bring your receipt when you sign up for a Fusion Workshop. You will not be allowed to sign up for a workshop without it.
Helpful Information
Q. How do I setup dual monitors inside of VMware Windows 7?
A. When you connect a 2nd display to your mac while running VMware Fusion in full screen it automatically does dual monitors. You can do this manually by going to View -> Use All Displays in Full Screen
Q. Can I take screenshots in VMware Windows 7?
A. The Snipping Tool works well for screen shots. It is faster, too, because it gives you the option to save directly to jpg or you can hit the copy button and paste it into whatever app your working in. Plus you can snip only what you need on the screen so you don’t have to crop anything.
Q. Can I install VMware Tools?
A. For those students who don’t have the tools installed, you can go to Virtual Machine –> Install VMWare Tools.
Q. How do I update VMware Fusion?
A. When you run Fusion a message will pop up if a new version is available for download. You can also select VMware Fusion > Check for Updates in the menu.
Q. My iSight camera is not being recognized on Fusion?
A. Go to: Virtual Machine -> Settings -> USB Connect -> click Enable iSight camera. click yes to download driver. refresh page. your iSight camera will now work.
Optimizing Performance
In general, it is best to run only Fusion on your Mac side. If you have any other open programs, close them before starting Fusion (if a program on the dock has a small dot below it, the program is still open). You will also notice faster speeds if you run the least number of programs on the Windows side as possible.
Changing Virtual Machine Settings
Turn Off Printer Sharing
You can safely turn off Printer Sharing in Fusion to increase performance. To do so, go to Virtual Machine > Settings.
Uncheck the "Enabled" box.
- Note: This does not turn off printing in Windows.
Change Processor Settings
You can also safely change the number of processors that Fusion uses. If Windows runs sluggishly, try changing the number of cores used from 2 to 1. To do this, go to the "Virtual Machine" menu and click on "Settings." In the "Settings" menu, click on "Processors and RAM."
Click on the drop down menu, and select "1 processor core."
Turning Off Windows Aero
Windows Aero is an enhanced graphical user interface used in Windows 7. By using a more basic theme, you can increase the speed of Fusion. To select a basic theme, right click on the desktop and click on "Personalization."
Choose a theme under "Basic and High Contrast Themes."
Turning Off Visual Effects
Turning off visual effects in Windows can also increase performance. To turn off visual effects, go to Control Panel > Performance Information and Tools, and click on "Adjust Visual Effects" in the menu to the left.
Check the "Adjust for best performance" box, and click OK
"VMware" Folder
The files necessary for Fusion to run are located in the VMware folder. This folder is located within your Documents folder.
IMPORTANT: Do not move the VMware folder. If the VMware folder is moved, Fusion will not run.
Other Resources
Top 20 VMware Keyboard shortcuts
To access tutorials on using Fusion, check out the VMware Fusion support site. https://www.vmware.com/support/product-support/fusion/