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8.2. Using Advanced Features

The SPICE protocol allows you to connect to a virtual machine and use it the same way you would use a physical desktop. In addition to standard tasks in-built with each operating system, Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization supports features including USB redirection, multiple monitor display and using local drives. The options available for use with virtual machines depend on the connection protocol and options used.

8.2.1. Using SPICE Connection Options

When using the SPICE protocol to connect to a virtual machine, you can configure a number of connection options. If you are using a Windows client to connect to virtual machines, you can right-click on the virtual machine window title bar to display the connection menu. This menu is not available to a Red Hat Enterprise Linux client, but you can also use the same hotkeys as described in the table below.
SPICE Connection menu
Figure 8.3. SPICE Connection menu

Table 8.1. Connection menu options
Option Description Hotkey
Send Ctrl+Alt+Del Sends the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination to the virtual machine. On a Red Hat Enterprise Linux virtual machine, it sends a signal to reboot the machine. On a Windows virtual machine, it displays the task manager or Windows Security dialog. Ctrl+Alt+End
Toggle Full Screen Toggles full screen mode on or off. When enabled, full screen mode expands the virtual machine to fill the entire screen. When disabled, the virtual machine is displayed as a window. SHIFT+F11
Special Keys Shows a menu of special key combinations which can be sent to the virtual machine.
  • SHIFT+F11: Toggles full screen mode
  • SHIFT+F12: Releases cursor from the virtual machine window
  • Ctrl+Alt+End: Reboots virtual machine or displays task manager
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8.2.1.1. SPICE hotkeys

In addition to accessing the connection options through the connection menu, it is possible to use the hotkeys listed in Table 8.1, “Connection menu options”, when using a virtual machine in full screen mode or from a Linux client. For Windows clients, the menu can be accessed by clicking on the virtual machine window title bar when not in full screen mode.
When the mouse is used inside a virtual machine, it becomes locked in the virtual machine window and cannot be used elsewhere. To unlock the mouse, press Shift+F12.