I Would Like To Start Useing Virtual Machines, Advice Wanted

[tickmike]

We use W2K Pro also Testing Ubuntu.

 

Is there any free software I can download to test out using 'virtual machines' .

 

Can you tell me about any good sites to learn about this subject.

 

Could I use it on W2K ?. It would be nice to open more than user account at once (like XP Etc. ) Is that possible ?.

 

Could I use W2K and Ubuntu together at a click away ?.

 

Any other advice ?.

 

Michael.

[marco84]

Have a look at vmware player

and

Some useful VMs

I think the best way to learn with virtualization is to have a play, and if things go wrong its easy enough to start again.

[tickmike]

Thanks Mark.

I will look at those links later .

If I find an spare computer out do I have to have an operating system (W2K) on it first ?.

Then load up this software, then load say ubuntu next ?.

[webman]

I recommend VMWare Server if you want to have a go at installing various operating systems from scratch; instead of playing with pre-configured images. It's also free.

 

VMWare has the advantage of being easy to use, and cross-platform (whereas MS VPC isn't either).

[mattx]

Looked at MS Virtual PC ?

 

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/virtualpc/sysreq.mspx

 

Also VM Ware

 

http://www.vmware.com/

 

I think they do a free one. I am currently using MS Virtual PC on my Vista Laptop for testing my scripts etc. Not had any problems with it.

[nathan]

if you think virtual pc isnt easy to use, then i'd suggest you start looking for a change of career.

[tickmike]

if you think virtual pc isnt easy to use, then i'd suggest you start looking for a change of career.

 

 

I'm Retired Electrical Research Scientist with no formal training in computing.

I give my FREE help to some local schools( non council run and no IT budget). 8)

 

Edit ..Shall I tell him that was not very nice or will someone else..Edit end

[webman]

nathan: I take that personally as I presume that was aimed at me and my comment about VPC - I don't like your condescending attitude to 'start looking for a change in career' at all. The interface is clunky and not as refined and 'in one place' as VMWare. The previous version (2004) by Connectix was perfect before MS got their hands on it.

[Uraken]

yeah enough said tickmike

[Ric_]

Firstly a bit of admin... try to play nice guys!

 

Now back to the fun stuff...

@tickmike: To address your question... you will need a machine with an OS on it (prob best to use Windows if you are not very familiar with Linux). It doesn't have to be insanely powerful but the more RAM the better.

 

If you would just like to try playing with Ubuntu or similar, there are a numebr of pre-built VMs on the vmware website which can be easily loaded up in the free VMWare Player with a quick double-click.

 

If you want to make your own image from scratch - e.g. set up a test Windows server - you should download the free VMWare Server product. It is pretty intuitive and you will get the hang of it in no time.

[tickmike]

Thanks all, going to downloads vm to try that, But it says I have to register !, being I'm not employed by any school can I just register in my own name .

Any idea.

[webman]

Yes you can register in your own name.

[tickmike]

Yes you can register in your own name.

 

Thanks will do.

[mattx]

VMWare has the advantage of being easy to use, and cross-platform (whereas MS VPC isn't either).

 

I've never had a problem with MS VPC, I use both and they tend to be roughly the same.

They both do the same job at the end of the day...

[nathan]

Sorry guys, didnt mean to upset anyone. was just giving my opinion that i thought the interface was as simply as vmware's and therefor doesnt have an advantage in that area. I respect all your opinions though.

[tickmike]