For some reason, console connections to running virtual machines can be really slow on VMware Server. For example, I have experienced that doing a simple ‘ls’ or ‘cat’ in console (no X server) would require 100% CPU utilization on the host for several seconds. I could literally see each line scroll by.

Part of the reason for the low performance is that SSL is enabled by default for console connections. By disabling SSL, I got much better performance, although still not to the level of VMware Fusion.

Here is how to do it:

1. Select Host -> Settings
2. In the dialog select the Connections tab
3. Uncheck “Use SSL for Console communications”
4. Click OK

Note: by disabling SSL, you are lowering security, so please consider the implications before using this tip.