VMWare Server

VMWare Server is now free.

http://www.vmware.com/products/server/

I asked myself, why would VMWare server now be free? You get hooked on the idea of running a server or two on VMWare. Then you see VMotion. I've seen someone use it. He moved Windows Active Directory Domain Controller, Print Server, Exchange & Citrix Application Servers all under full load during peak hours from one SAN to another without a hiccup. Giving VMWare Server away is like giving away Sees Candies. You know you want the whole sheebang.

http://www.vmware.com/products/server_comp.html

Open Source DVD Player

I don't have a tv. Haven't had one in about 20 years. I do watch a lot of movies on the computer.

It has always been a bit of a hassle to play DVDs on Windows. Even when a major hardware vendor like HP or IBM includes the player on the machine. Many things can and do go wrong. Unfortunately, if you just want things to work; you have to shell out $$$. Until now!

VLC is a free cross platform media player. It has many features. If there is a downside, I would say it is the daunting amount of features. You can get it at: http://www.videolan.org/. It is easy to install on Windows XP. Unlike many other media players, I have not been able to play movies in Windows Media Player. You have to use VLC.