Installing VMWare Player 3.1 on Ubuntu 10.10

I recently upgraded to the latest and greatest version of Ubuntu (10.10 – also known as Maverick Meerkat). All is well.

One of the keys to the way I use my computer(s) is that I usually store my data and programs separately. I can switch to a new operating system, or a new install at the drop of a hat. When I am working on a project, especially for a client, I often setup a virtual machine using VMware that I dedicate to the project. So . . . I need VMWare to work.

In the past, I have found it a problem to install VMWare on Ubuntu. In fact, it has just become easier to use the VMWare player rather than a full install of the server product. However, this time I had a problem.

However, I found a solution very quickly, I am posting it here for you edification. This worked for me. I don’t really care why it worked. Somebody should work to ensure that VMWare and Ubuntu play well together – they need each other. Some counselling perhaps?