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In essence, VMware Server 2.0 contains its own built in web server which is used to serve the VI Web Access management interface to web browsers which request access. As such, it is worthwhile noting that the system on which VMware Server is running does not itself need to have a web server running for VI Web Access to work (although having one running will certainly not interfere with VI Web Access). When connecting locally (in other words from a web browser running on the same system as VMware Server), VI Web Access may be accessed using either an insecure HTTP or secure HTTPS connection. In the case of remote connections, however, HTTP requests will be automatically redirected to the secure HTTPS connection.
To gain access via HTTP , use the following URL syntax:
* http://''hostname'':8222
* https://''hostname'':8333
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<td>'''Enter Serial Number'''</td>
<td>Provides the ability to view the current serial serial number, or enter a new one. This is of particular use if a serial number was not specified during the installation process, or if the current serial number has expired.</td>
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Subject to configuration options (such the absense absence of VMware Tools on the guest system), may immediately power off the selected virtual machine as though the ''off'' switch on a physical machine had been pressed. To avoid data loss or damage, it is better to either use the guest operating system's shut down procedure or use the ''Shut Down Guest'' option detailed below.
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* '''Workspace Panel''' - The workspace panel occupies the central area of the screen and is designed as a tabbed panel, displaying different information depending on the currently selected tab. As the host or a virtual machine is selected from the inventory panel, the workspace updates to reflect the selection. The workspace behaves differently depending on whether the host, or a virtual machine is currently selected in the inventory panel. Each of these modes will be covered in greater detail in subsequent sections of this chapter.
* '''Task panel''' - The task panel is located at the bottom on the VI Web Access interface (illustrated below), runs the width of the screen and is used to display recently completed tasks. Additional details can be obtained by double clicking on a task in the list.
The ''Summary'' screen is divided into a number of different sections. The ''Performance'' section lists the memory and CPU usage of the selected virtual machine. The ''Notes'' section provides space for an administrator to write information about the virtual machine and the ''Hardware'' section lists the virtual hardware devices currently configured on the virtual machine. Clicking on a device in the list present presents an ''Edit'' menu allowing the device settings to be configured. The ''Status'' area lists status information about the guest operating system, such as whether the system is currently running and the operating system type (Windows, Linux etc). Finally, the ''Commands'' section provides an array of tasks that can be performed on the virtual machine.
The ''Console'' tab allows a virtual console to be displayed providing access to the graphical desktop or command-line interface of the running guest operating system.
