If you’re like me and run a few virtual machines each day, then running them with
ease is key I reckon.
Generally I’ve found on dual core machines etc. virtual server makes better use of
multi-cpu based hosts than what Virtual PC2007 does (VMWare vs VPC is another debate
🙂
The only draw back is that I’ve always had to setup this IIS based website and it
gets painful, particularly on a laptop etc. when all sorts of things get installed
and uninstalled etc. IIS sites sometimes stop working and thus your only lifeline
to the running virtual machines.
Well VMRCplus is the answer! (This used to be an internal MS tool
which it looks like they’ve released to the public)
YOU DO NOT NEED IIS with this baby – it uses the COM Api behind the scenes.
Grab it here……..
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?fa…
Some features to wet your appetites:
-
Direct control of local or remote instances of the Virtual Server service. IIS and
IE browser are no longer required! - Tabbed interface to quickly jump between Virtual Server hosts and guest VMRC sessions.
-
Reusable saved states: this feature allows users to preserve a particular saved state
and return to that state at any time. - Multiple guest selection supported for startup/shutdown/save/display.
- Browse button navigation for media, hard disk images, ISO images, .VMC files, etc.
- Drag and Drop support for .VMC files, ISOs images, VHD and VFD files.
-
Resizable desktop support for guests running Virtual Machine Additions (maximize VMRC
window supported). - Limited cut and paste of text from host to guest (only).
- A built-in utility to take JPG screenshots of running guests. Useful when filing bugs.
- Built-in error notification with Virtual Server eventlog viewer.
- A Virtual Networks Manager and Virtual Disks Manager that cover all features.
- Keyboard shortcuts (e.g. Ctrl-S to save state a guest).
- Create multiple guests at once.
- Create guest from parent (or multiple guests)!
- Automatic reconnect to a designated Virtual Server host.
- Toolbars in both Guest and Console Manager for quick access.
- Unlimited number of guests.
- Maximum of 32 Virtual Server hosts.
- Sorting on columns of guests so you can sort based on status and multi-select.
- Automatic detection of Virtual Machine Additions and notification.
- Detection of Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1.