Windows and Linux
How to Run Windows and Linux Together at the Same Time
There are several times that a requirement comes up when a Linux user needs to access a Windows
operating system or vice versa. Many times, old software may need to be operated that will not run
properly on a Windows 7. There are occasions when Wine does not properly operate and the only
recourse is to use Windows.
Apart from this, software developers may have to develop software that has to operate on multiple
operating systems. Earlier, they would need access to several computers each running the different
operating systems. Not any more, this can now be done on the same machine, running all the required
operating systems at the same time.
This is made possible by running special software called a virtual machine. The operating system under
which this application runs is called the “Host” operating system and the operating systems that you
will be running subsequently under this virtual machine will each be called the “Guest” operating
systems.
One of the virtual machines that has gained popularity, is easy to use and also free to use, is the
VirtualBox. Other similar virtual machines are Parallels, VMWare and Microsoft Virtual PC. Among all
of these, VirtualBox has the widest use, since this is the only software of its kind that works on most of
the platforms, Linux, Windows, Mac or others.
The operation of VirtualBox is simplicity itself. The software works the same irrespective of the Host
platform. A virtual disk has to be created, one for each Guest OS, and this will reside as a file in the real
hard disk under the Host OS. How much memory is to be used can be defined while setting up. Other
resources, such as optical drives, USB, net connection, that need to be shared can also be defined.
The guest operating system that has to be installed in the VirtualBox can be taken from an installation
CD or an ISO image on the hard disk. A point to note, proprietary OS such as Windows will ask for the
installation keys during the installation, much the same way as in a normal installation.
After the setup is over, configuration of the new OS can be done in the same way. A 32-bit Host OS can
install only a 32-bit Guest OS, but a 64-bit Host could install a 64-bit Guest provided the CPU allows
it. This will have to be confirmed by checking out the specifications of the CPU currently in use on the
motherboard.
To operate both OS at the same time, the Host has to be run first and then the VirtualBox application. If
you have multiple Guest OS installed, then you can select now. Usually, a large amount of RAM is
needed to run multiple OS at the same time.
Using VirtualBox in the seamless mode makes it nearly impossible to tell that a Guest OS is currently
running. GuestAdditions are other additions that enhance the functionality of the Guest OS to bring its
operations as close as possible to its independent operation.
Author Bio:
Derek Zhuang is the publisher of http://www.dailydeals4you.com. He is located in California, Silicon
Valley. The web site published by him provides coupon codes and product review for antivirus software
such as Bitdefender Coupons, Norton Coupons, Kaspersky Coupons.
Source: http://www.besttechie.net/2010/04/09/virtualbox-review/