I use MS Virtual PC 2007 before. However, some features such as access to USB thumbdrive, are not offered by MS Virtual PC 2007.

I heard virtualization software from VMware is not bad. But there're many products from VMware, which I'm confused and not sure which one to choose. After did a brief survey, I found out the following:

[1] VMware ESXi
[2] VMware Server
[3] VMware Workstation

I wish to find an alternative to MS Virtual PC 2007. If I'm not mistaken, items [1] & [2] are FREE, whilst item [3] is not. Here are my questions:
[a] What are the features offered by VMware Workstation that not offered by VMware ESXi or VMware Server? And, vice versa?
[ To run VMware ESXi or Server, the host OS must be a server, e.g. Windows Server?
[c] Do they support USB device, e.g. thumbdrive?
[d] Kindly comment on the 'ease' of installation as well.


By the way, what is the purpose of the following items? What are their major differences?
[i] VMware ThinApp
[ii] VMware ACE


Since I need to do fast decision, I hope expert in this forum can give some useful advices (in plain language, not too technical... ).

Thank you.

This post has been edited by onemilimeter: Oct 31 2008, 09:04 PM