Install Workstation Player on a Linux Host

You run the Linux bundle installer to install Workstation Player on a Linux host system. On most Linux distributions, the Linux bundle installer starts a GUI wizard. On some Linux distributions, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.1, the bundle installer starts a command-line wizard instead of a GUI wizard. You can also run the installer with the --console option to install Workstation Player in a terminal window.

Prerequisites

• Verify that the host system meets the host system requirements. See Host System Requirements for Workstation Player.

• Obtain the Workstation Player software.

• Familiarize yourself with the Linux command-line installation options. See Linux Command Line Installation Options.

• Verify that you have root access on the host system.

Procedure

1. Log in to the Linux host system with the user name that you plan to use when you run Workstation Player.
2. Become root.

   For example: su root

   The command that you use depends on your Linux distribution and configuration.

3. Change directories to the directory that contains the Workstation Player installer file.
4. Run the appropriate Workstation Player installer file for the host system.

   For example: sh VMware-Player-e.x.p-xxxx-xxxx.architecture.bundle --[option]

   xxxx-xxxx is the version and build numbers, architecture is i386 or x86_64, and option is a command line option.

5. Accept the license agreement.

   If you are using the --console option or installing Workstation Player on a host system that does not support the GUI wizard, press Enter to scroll through and read the license agreement or type q to skip to the [yes/no] prompt.

6. Follow the prompts to finish the installation.

What to do next

After Workstation Player is installed, you can exit from the root account. You do not need to be root to run Workstation Player.