VMware Tools are meant to enhance the performance of virtual machines. Its installation is optional; however, certain tasks and features are not available without it being installed.
VMware Tools installs itself as a service and starts when the guest operating system boots.
Its main functions are as follows:
Pass information between the guest OS and host and send heartbeats to the host indicating that the guest OS is running
Execute scripts if the power state of a VM changes
Synchronize the time of the guest OS with the time on the host
Allow the mouse pointer to move freely outside the console window
Fit screen resolutions of the guest to the size of the console window or to that of the client's resolution when in full-screen mode
Help create a snapshot of the Windows guest
Many of the preceding features are accomplished with drivers that are installed together with the service. For example:
The SVGA driver adjusts screen resolution and improves graphics performance
The mouse driver allows...