What is the difference between VM-Workstation, VM-Player and VM-Server?

What is the difference between VM-Workstation, VM-Player and VM-Server?

VMware Workstation, VMware Player and VMware Server seem like redundant products.
However, there are quite a few distinctions, that are quite apparent from their names already.
VMware Workstation is intended for "desktop use", for a user who creates and edits
Virtual Machines and uses them on his/hers desktop. It has features useful for product
development that no other VMware product has such as integration with MS Visual Studio
or VM teams, where the network between virtual machines in the team can be specified,
including bandwidth and packet loss. VMware Workstation usually gets the new virtual hardware
releases first and supports the widest guest OS range. It is optimized for interactive use and has
some Direct3D (DirectX 9) and OpenGL capabilities. The workstation is not free. More information:
http://www.vmware.com/products/ws/new.html

VMware Player is a stripped-down version of the workstation, so it offers the same virtual hardware
as Workstation. VMware Player 2.x and newer is free for non-commercial personal use only while
Player 1.x had no such restriction. In the latest version, it can both create and edit virtual machines
while it earlier could only possible to run pre-built VMs. The performance of VMware Player is very
similar to the performance of VMware Workstation. Even though Workstation 8 was released in
September 2011, we are still waiting for VMware Player 4 to be released. For more info see here:
http://www.vmware.com/products/player/features.html

VMware Server is meant for creating and editing virtual machines and running server-like loads.
It is optimized for IO rather than interactive use on the local terminal. Desktop intensive (graphical)
applications will not have too good performance when viewed through the interface provided in
VMware Server as all requests go through the network (even when you're working locally).
Server usually provides older or same generation of virtual hardware as Workstation or Player.
Server is a free product, but note that VMware Server is declared End of General Support at
06/30/2011. More information: http://www.vmware.com/products/server/features.html
http://www.vmware.com/support/policies/lifecycle/general/index.html#policy_server

VMware Server cannot be installed at the same time with Workstation/Player. This is most
likely due to conflicting, different kernel modules and cannot be circumvented.
Note that even if this article says that the intended use is something, this does not mean
that the product could not be used for something else. Just don't expect Player to be a good
Server or that you can play games on Server.

Feature comparison Feature/Product Workstation 8.0 Player 2.5 Player 3.0 Server 2.x Intended use Desktop use, test environments, Q&A, product development Run VMs made elsewhere Personal use: desktop use, testing Host production VMs Edit VM settings? Yes No Yes Yes Max RAM / VM 64GB 8GB 32GB 8GB  VSMP  Yes, 4x  Yes  Yes  Yes  Snapshots  Multiple, branchable, linked clone  No  No  Single  USB 2.0  Yes, and USB 3.0 for linux VMs  Yes  Yes  Yes  3D acceleration  DirectX 9 with Shader Model 3.0 OpenGL 2.1  DirectX 9 with Shader Model 2.0 DirectX 9 with Shader Model 3.0 OpenGL 2.1  No  Other -Integrates with MS Visual Studio / Eclipse / SpringSource - Remote replay debugging -Allows definition of properties of the virtual networks within VM teams - Record/replay functionality -Unity mode - Shared folders - Virtual disk encryption -Remote VMs -HD audio - Editing of .vmx settings by hand possible - Unity mode - Shared folders - Create / edit VMs - Unity mode - Shared folders   VMware Server is being discontinued "VMware Server was declared End Of Availability on January 2010. Support will be limited to Technical Guidance for the duration of the support term."  Cost  $199  Free

Source/Credit: VMWARE

Use Android Phone as a Modem

Use Android Phone as a Modem

If your current location does not have a Wi-Fi connection or if your internet connection is currently down, you can use your Android device as a modem and take advantage of your unlimited data plan.

Finding yourself without Wi-Fi access can be an annoyance or it can be a disaster. Luckily, many Android phones can be used as a USB cellular modem. Often this is more convenient than having to secure your device as a mobile hotspot.

This tutorial was crafted on a Samsung (Galaxy SII) 4.1.2 Android phone with stock roms. The steps for other phones may be a bit different.

1.Open the app drawer, and tap on Settings.

2.In the Settings screen, under the Wireless and networks section, choose More settings to continue.

3.Find and tap on the Tethering and portable hotspot option to configure it.

4.Connect your Android device to the laptop or PC using a USB cable, and then check the box next to the USB tethering option to enable it.

5.A new notification will show up, indicating that the tethering feature is currently active.

6.Wait for the computer to install the appropriate driver, if necessary. After that, you can use internet as usual. Please note that, in some cases, you may have to configure some common settings for the network. The process is similar to the steps you have done when connecting to a new network.

List of shortcut keys in Windows and what they do

This is not a comprehensive list - just a list of the most commonly used keys 


List of shortcut keys and what they do 

General Windows Shortcut Keys

F1 - Universal Help key - Works in all Microsoft based programs
F2 - Rename files or Folders
F3 - Opens up the Find dialogue
F5 - Refresh contents in current application
F6 - Switch between left and right panes
F10 - Activate the menu bar in programs
Backspace - View the folder one level up
Tab - Move forward through options

Winkey & D - This will minimise all windows you have open and take you to the desktop. by pressing it again this can be reversed
Winkey & E - This will open up the Windows Explorer file browser window
Winkey & TAB - This will cycle through open programs through the taskbar.
Winkey & F - This will open up the windows search feature
Winkey & CTRL & F - This will open up the search for computers window.
Winkey & F1 - This will open up the Microsoft Help and Support Centre
Winkey & R - This will bring up the run box dialogue
Winkey & L - This will lock the computer and take you to the sign in screen
Winkey & M - Same a Winkey & D, But won't change back
Winkey & Shift & M - Same as pressing Winkey & D the second time
Winkey & U - Run utility Manager and Narrator Voice
Winkey & Break - Display System Properties

Right SHIFT for eight seconds (Switch FilterKeys either on or off)
Left ALT & left SHIFT & PRINT SCREEN (Switch High Contrast either on or off)
Left ALT & left SHIFT & NUM LOCK (Switch the MouseKeys either on or off)
SHIFT five times (Switch the StickyKeys either on or off)

General Editing Keys

ALT & F - Opens up the file menu
ALT & E - Opens up the edit menu

Ctrl & A - Highlights all text
Ctrl & C - Copy's highlighted selected text
Ctrl & X -Cuts highlighted selected text
Ctrl & V - Pastes text from clipboard into document
Ctrl & Z - Reverses last action
Ctrl & P - Brings up the print dialogue
Ctrl & B - Embolden Text
Ctrl & I - Place text in italics
Ctrl & U - Underline text

Insert - Toggles between over type mode and normal mode
Ctrl & Insert - Copy's selected text
Shift & Delete - Cuts highlighted selected text
Shift & Insert - Pastes text from clipboard into document

Shift & Home - Selects the text from current cursor position to beginning of line
Shift & End - Selects the text from current cursor position to end of line
Ctrl & Left Arrow - Move the cursor backwood one word
Ctrl & Right Arrow - Move the cursor forward one word

Home Key - Goes to beginning of current line
End Key - Goes to end of current line
Ctrl & Home - Goes to top of document
Ctrl & End - Goes to end of document

Other Misc Keys

CTRL & SHIFT & ESC this will open the windows task manager
ALT & Enter - View an item's properties
Alt & Space Bar - Display the current window's system menu
Alt & Tab - Cycles through current open applications
Alt & F4 - Closes the current open application
Ctrl & Escape - Brings up the start menu
Shift & F10 - Display the item's context menu
Shift & Del - When deleting a selected highlighted item - this will bypass the recycle bin
Holding Shift Key - While inserting a CD/DVD will bypass the auto play feature
F8 - While pressing this key on boot up will bring you to the boot up options screen - handy for entering safe mode





Runbox msc commands (Microsoft Management Console snap-in)
-----------------------------------------------------------
ciadv.msc = indexing service
compmgmt.msc = computer management
devmgmt.msc = device manager
dfrg.msc = disk defragment
diskmgmt.msc = disk management
eventvwr.msc = event viewer
fsmgmt.msc = shared folders
gpedit.msc = group policies
lusrmgr.msc = local users and groups
ntmsmgr.msc = removable storage operator request
perfmon.msc = performance monitor
rsop.msc = resultant set of policies
secpol.msc = local security settings
services.msc = various Services
secpol.msc = local security settings
certmgr.msc = certificate manager
wmimgmt.msc = windows management infrastructure
runbox cpl commands
------------------------------------------------------------------
ac3filter.cpl = ac3 filter(if installed)
access.cpl = accessibility option control
appwiz.cpl = add/remove programs control
desk.cpl = display properties control
directx.cpl = direct x control panel(if installed)
findfast.cpl = FindFast control
firewall.cpl = windows firewall
hdwwiz.cpl = add hardware wizard
inetcpl.cpl = Internet Properties control
intl.cpl = regional and language options
joy.cpl = game controlloers control
jpicpl32.cpl = java control panel(if installed)
main.cpl = Mouse Properties control
mmsys.cpl = Multimedia Properties control
ncpa.cpl = network control
netsetup.cpl = network setup wizard
nusrmgr.cpl = user accounts control
odbccp32.cpl =odbc data souce adminstrator
password.cpl = Password Properties control
powercfg.cpl = power options properties control
joy.cpl = game controlloers control
sysdm.cpl = System Properties control
sticpl.cpl = scanner and camera control
tlephon.cpl = telephone and moden options
timedate.cpl = date/time Properties control
waaucpl.cpl = automatic updates
wscui.cpl = security center
runbox control commands
---------------------------------------------------------------------- -
control admintools = amdinistrative tools
control color = display properties(appearence)
control desktop = desktop properties
control folders = folder properties
control fonts = fonts properties
control keyboard = keyboard properties
control netconnections = network connections
control mouse = mouse properties
control printers = printer and fax options
control schedtasks = schedualed tasks
runbox non grouped commands
-------------------------------------------------------
dxdiag = direct x trounbleshooter
ddeshare = dde share
cliconfg = sql client configaration
cmd = command prompt
dcomcnfg = component services
clipbrd = clipboard
chkdsk = check disk utility
fsquirt = bluetooth transfer wizard
folders = folders properties
font = fonts folder
freecell = freecell
calc = caculator
charmap = carater graph
cleanmgr = too long to explain but useful
command = opens command prompt
diskpart = disk partition manager
explorer = explorer
iexpress = iexpress wizard
javaws = java control panel(in installed)
logoff = logs you out of windows
magnity = windows magnifier
msconfig = system Configuration Utility
msinfo32 = system Infomation
msimn = letterbox
mailto = opens default email client
notepad = notepad
osk = keyboard
packager = object packager
perfmon = performance minitor
prefetch = the thing windows prepairs
regedit = Registry Editor
regedit32 -
sfc = system file checker utility
taskmgr = task manager
telnet = telnet client
wab = windows address book
wabmig = windows address book (adding something)
win.ini = windows loading information(also system.ini)
winver = shows current version of windows
winchat = microsoft chat
sysedit = System Edit
tourstart = tour pub when xp is installed
drwtsn32 = dr. watson troubleshooting utility
verifier = driver verifier utility
sigverif = file signature verification tool
write = wordpad
utelman = utility manager

runbox subdirectories
accessability settings
access.cpl @0,1 = keyboard
access.cpl @0,2 = sound
access.cpl @0,3 = display
access.cpl @0,4 = mouse
access.cpl @0,5 = general
desk settings
desk.cpl = theme
desk.cpl @0,0 = desktop
desk.cpl @0,1 = screen saver
desk.cpl @0,2 = apearance
desk.cpl @0,3 = setting
Internet Settings
inetcpl.cpl @0,0 = general
inetcpl.cpl @0,1= security
inetcpl.cpl @0,2 = privacy
inetcpl.cpl @0,3 = content
inetcpl.cpl @0,4 = connections
inetcpl.cpl @0,5 = programs
inetcpl.cpl @0,6 = advanced
regional settings
intl.cpl @0,0 = regoal options
intl.cpl @0.1 = languges
intl.cpl @0,2 = advanced
keyboard/mouse
main.cpl @0,1 = buttons
main.cpl @0,1,1 = pointers
main.cpl @0,2 = pointers options
main.cpl @0,3 = wheel
main.cpl @0,4 = hardware
main.cpl @1,0 = keyboard speed
main.cpl @1,1,1 = keyboard hardware
sounds properties box
mmsys.cpl @0,0= volume
mmsys.cpl @0,1 = sound
mmsys.cpl @0,2 = audio
mmsys.cpl @0,3 = voice
mmsys.cpl @0,4 = hardward
system Settings
sysdm.cpl @0,0 = general
sysdm.cpl @0,1 = computer name
sysdm.cpl @0,2 = hardware
sysdm.cpl @0,3 = advanced
sysdm.cpl @0,4 = restore system
sysdm.cpl @0,5 = automatic updatet
sysdm.cpl @0,6 = remote

variables that work with the runcommand box:
%allusersprofile% = local returns the location of the all users profile.
%appdata% = local returns the location where applications store data by default.
%cd% = local returns the current directory string.
%comspec% = system returns the exact path to the command shell executable.
%homedrive% = system returns which local workstation drive letter is connected to the user's home directory. this variable is set based on the value of the home directory. the user's home directory is specified in local users and groups.
%homepath% = system returns the full path of the user's home directory. this variable is set based on the value of the home directory. the user's home directory is specified in local users and groups.
the user's home directory is specified in local users and groups.
%logonserver% = local returns the name of the domain controller that validated the current logon session.
%programfiles% = returns the location of the default install directory for applications.
%systemdrive% = system returns the drive containing the windows root directory (i.e., the system root).
%systemroot% = system returns the location of the windows root directory.
%temp% = system and user return the default temporary directories for applications that are available to users who are currently logged on. some applications require temp and others require tmp.
%tmp% = system and user return the default temporary directories for applications that are available to users who are currently logged on. some applications require temp and others require tmp.
%(time)% = system returns the current time. this variable uses the same format as the time /t command. cmd.exe generates this variable. for more information about the time command, see the time command.
%(userdomain)% = local returns the name of the domain that contains the user's account.
%(username)% = local returns the name of the user currently logged on.
%userprofile% = local returns the location of the profile for the current user.
%windir% = system returns the location of the os directory