Virtual machine add-ons improve compatibility and performance between the host and virtual machine operating systems. They enhance graphics, mouse control, time synchronization, and file sharing. Add-ons are optional but provide optimized drivers, higher resolutions, and easier file transfers.
Virtual PC and Virtual Server machines support virtual machine add-ons, or virtual machine extensions, that add functionality to a virtual machine and its operating system. These additions can improve the compatibility between the host operating system and the virtual machine operating system and can make the two work better together. Some virtual machine add-ons improve the graphics, mouse control, and time synchronization of a virtual machine, and include additional functionality for file transfer and sharing. Depending on the operating system the virtual machine is using, the add-ins can be optional features or come predefined with the operating system.
When installing an operating system in a virtual machine for the first time, there may be performance issues resulting from the default configuration of the virtual machine. Virtual PC may support different operating system versions, so it configures the graphics settings that it thinks work best with the guest operating system. While you can adjust the amount of memory, central processing unit (CPU) cores, and disk space that a virtual machine uses, the virtual machine performance may not be as desired. Also, switching between the virtual machine and the host computer may require more work than it might if you use virtual machine extensions.
Virtual machine additions improve performance by adding optimized graphics drivers, improving mouse cursor tracking, and improving time synchronization. After installing the add-ons, you will likely have access to higher resolutions and color settings which result in better overall graphics. Extensions also improve mouse cursor behavior and make it easier to click areas both inside and outside the virtual environment. If the extensions are not installed, the user will have to use a key combination to switch between the virtual machine window and the guest operating system. Time synchronization is an optional feature, but it ensures that the virtual machine’s time is the same as the host machine’s.
Another useful feature of virtual machine additions is that they allow for easy file transfers between the virtual machine and its host. They allow you to drag and drop files to and from your virtual machine and also support the use of shared folders. If virtual machine additions are not installed, users will be limited to files within the virtual machine’s operating system and any computers in its virtual network. Shared folders appear on the virtual machine desktop and are as easily accessible as folders on your hard drive.
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