Open VM File

The file extension .vm is flexible and multifunctional, and it fulfills a multitude of purposes across varied domains. This extension can primarily denote three types of files - VMware Virtual Machine configuration files, Velocity Template files and Covox 8-bit audio files. This article elucidates the characteristics, functionalities, and ways to open and use these unique .vm files.

VMware Virtual Machine Configuration Files

In the context of virtualization technology, .vm files are associated with VMware's virtual machine configuration. They contain configuration settings that control the working of a virtual machine created in the VMware environment. These files are essential to the virtual machine's sustainability, containing data such as allocated hardware resources, boot order, and other preferences. Tools such as VMware's workstation or Fusion can easily open this type of .vm file. Note that to load a virtual machine, you often need other associated files, such as .vmdk (disk files) or .vmx (primary configuration files).

Velocity Template Language Files

The .vm extension also leads a life in software engineering, particularly revolving around the open-source project Apache Velocity. Here, .vm denotes a template written in the Velocity Template Language (VTL). VTL is a powerful scripting language that bridges the gap between the front end and back end, facilitating the dynamic insertion of content into static templates. The Apache Velocity Engine or any text editor such as Notepad++ can readily open this type of .vm file. More information about VTL and its implementation can be found at the official Apache Velocity website.

Covox 8-bit Audio Files

In the past, the .vm extension was also linked to Covox, a sound card for PCs that was popular during the late 80s and 90s before the advent of Sound Blaster. Covox emitted 8-bit audio, and the files storing this sound data also used the .vm extension. Nowadays, it is infrequent to encounter such a .vm file, but if you do, you can use a vintage computing emulator like DOSBox or a media player like VLC to open it.

VM File Important Information

When dealing with .vm files, it's essential to understand the context in which they are being used, as this will determine the software required to open and use them accurately. It's crucial not to rename or delete .vm files associated with VMware, as it might disrupt the operation of a VMware product. In other contexts, as in Velocity templates, .vm files can be modified using any text editor, but a solid understanding of VTL is needed to make meaningful changes.