MVWGA - Make Vmware Workstation Great Again

[kasper]

Actually it is great now.   My concern is to keep it great.   This post is to thank Broadcom for the work they do and to keep it going.

[RaSystemlord]

I think so, too. It is great. 

Historically, I've been using VMware for 20 years and first 15 years without a single vmware-related-problem.

As of last 3 years, I've used tens of different Windows or Linux VMs - Windows VMs with demanding OpenGL graphics and in some cases complicated 3 VMs working within application and SQL Server client/server or replication schemes. No problems. 

The computers for more usage, as of late, have been Kubuntu and mostly Windows 10 Pro with Ryzen processor laptop (high-end, Asus ROG Strix). Also Asus ROG Strix or just old Asus MBs have been used on a workstation. No problems as a the last few years. I have also briefly installed some tens of different Linux distros or their versions to test things out - those with various of computers. No problems - however, no food store PCs have been used.

Having said that, I don't buy the explanation of "being difficult to keep up with Linux kernels". Explanation is not a reason. Difficult means that it is possible. How is it possible that some Linux-nerds can do it, but the entire Broadcom company finds it impossible to do - not possible? Like I said, explanation is not a reason - that part of software business is just sub-standard work in development and documentation. I'm talking now after being in a high-level software company for over 30 years and I know when errors are being made.

[Technogeezer]

I agree that it isn't difficult. It just means that one has to pay attention and allocate resources. (which is an area where the use of flexible scrum teams and aglie development falls down - I would think you'd want resources somewhat dedicated to keeping a watch on Linux kernel developments, but hey, that costs money and may keep the teams from working on other important priorities). 

I've been challenged on this view before, but things aren't made easier by the pace of changes in the Linux kernel. Linux appears to be downright hostile to external kernel modules. (there's probably a good reason why they use the term "tainted" when third party modules are loaded - the connotation is intentional in my mind). Things that work in one release suddenly stop working for apparently no other reason that someone thinks that kernel interfaces need to change without regard for third-party modules. I get it. Kernel modules introduce the potential for security issues. Innovations and performance tuning sometimes mean that things will change. But there's also something to be said for stability of kernel interfaces (unless you don't really care about third party modules).  

I'll also rant about video drivers (that means you, Nvidia & AMD) and graphics API support (that means you, Mesa project). Those components haven't exactly been stable lately.

The only way to keep up with this changing landscape is to monitor it closely. That's where Broadcom could do a better job. They seem to be on top of making sure that the vmwgfx and vmxnet3 drivers they've submitted to the Linux kernel source tree are OK when kernels evolve. I wish they had the same attention for the Workstation module sources.

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- Paul (technogeezer)
vExpert 2025
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[RaSystemlord]

Technogeezer: Yes, I agree - it all comes to resources, read money. Since VMware Workstation is free, perhaps some community pursuit could be organized around getting VMware Workstation to work with new Linux kernel versions - just a thought.

As for Linux kernel development, I cannot really comment on that. Probably it has those plusses and minuses that you write about.

About graphics - with rather good hardware, I haven't met any problems with mainstream Linux systems - mostly just Kubuntu and Ubuntu Studio, but casually quite a few more. But there has been articles how Linus Torvalds is not in good terms with those graphics adapter companies and their policies.