Useful Software Applications

Vmware

Vmware is a very useful application as it allows users to run many 'Virtual Machines' simultaneously. Vmware simulates hardware and allows you to run an operating system and other software just as you would on a regular machine.

The advantage of running a virtual machine is that you can change things and mess around without worrying about consequences. Perfect for a development or testing environment. Since all settings are stored in a file it is very easy to move a virtual machine created on one computer to another computer. You can also simulate situations which would be complex and expensive to do using real hardware. Virtual networks allow bridging of certain network adapters so they appear in the virtual machine and can be used to test various firewall or internet configurations.

Basically, the possibilities are endless when using virtual machines for different purposes.


Crossloop

Crossloop is a great remote access and assistance tool which is very easy to use and works behind NAT firewalls. Perfect for situations where you need to demonstrate some thing or other. Basically, one computer is the host who will be sharing their screen and the guest who will be able to see the hosts screen and take control of the keyboard and mouse. The host still has access to their screen and can see everything the guest is doing and can terminate the session at any time.


Synergy

This is a neat little sourceforge project that allows you to use a single set of keyboard and mouse with multiple computers with monitors at a single workstation. Its cross platform and allows simple configuration where you can arrange screens, and once working, provides seamless usage of multiple computers.