How do you or should you Upgrade VMware Tools? Are the newest compatible across versions and products?

[IT_Architect]

How do you or should you upgrade VMware Tools?  Are the newest compatible across versions and products?  It's a little hard to compare because the tools and the packages all come out at different times.  Let's say I'm running some ESXi 4.0, have some Workstation 8.02, and then ESXi 5.1 comes out.  Should / can I use the tools from ESXi 5 in ESXi 4 and Workstation 8.02?

Thanks!

[AndreTheGiant]

You can find more info in the upgrade guide.

But usually latest version is compatible also on old ESX/ESXi version.

[IT_Architect]

Now I just wonder if the tools are all the same across all of VMware, including Workstation.  I use FreeBSD in ESXi, and prototype iit n Workstation.  In ESXi, I've been using the generic version in ports.  In Workstation I tried the ones from VMware.  They don't work in any case.  I ended up getting them to work in Workstation in this thread:  How to install vmware tools in FreeBSD 9  That triggered the thought in my mind of wondering if the tools are the same across all VMware products, and if there is a central repository where the latest versions are maintained.

PS: There was a guy on TV once, Hulk Hogan, who heard talk favorably about Andre the Giant, so I looked him up.  He was a nice guy from what I read.  (And big )