VMware workstation is compatible with over 20 operating systems out of the box, and can run many other operating systems unofficially.

As previously mentioned, the new VMware workstation comes with full 3D graphics support for guest operating systems – meaning that if your computer can’t play a game, but has the resources to run a virtual operating system well, you can run an earlier version of Windows (or Linux) to play it.

VMware also announced that VMware workstation 7 is “…optimized for maximum performance when running on 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 PCs” and can now run virtual machines “with up to four virtual CPUs and 32GB of RAM dedicated to each virtual machine.”

The new release also finally supports Aero – which is well coincided with the release of Windows 7. VMware is even claiming that their virtualization is “Better than Windows XP Mode, you can run Windows XP with 3D graphics, faster performance, and tighter integration with Unity”. It is also compatible with Windows 7 features on the host machine, allowing the user to use Flip 3D and Aero Peek to view their virtual machines.

Other major new features of Workstation 7 include AutoProtect – a tool which automatically saves states of virtual machines, printing without printer drivers, 256-bit encryption of virtual machines and more. A 30-day trial version can be obtained from VMware’s website.