Looking for Virtual PC or VMware Guest O/S with Linux already installed.

Question

Hi,

I wanted to play around with Linux and do some testing. I've tried installing Linux on a Virtual PC (2004) guest but couldn't get it to work.

I figured with all the folks out there proselytizing about Linux maybe someone had made an guess file that I could just download and open up in Virtual PC (ideally) or VmWare.

PS - I asked question on ExpertsExchange about 2 years ago and all I got was people telling me I should use VMware (but not suggestions of where to find a pre-made Guest record.)

Answer 1

The VMWare library of pre-installed guests is at http://www.vmware.com/appliances/ - it seems to be currently down for maintenance though.

Answer 2

VMware player: http://www.vmware.com/products/player/

Vmware images: http://www.vmware.com/appliances/

The appliances website was down for me, but you can download premade images of various operating systems and run them using the vmware player or vmware server.

Ubuntu 8.04: http://www.vmware.com/appliances/directory/1224

Also, just look at the popular section on the right-hand side. I have found that when you want to use Linux, vmware is the way to go. I have had issues trying to install it on virtual pc, but that might have changed since I tried it back in 2006 with Fedora.

Answer 3

The VMWare appliance site is down as I write this but there is a very useful appliance that is about 60K that allows you to mount an ISO as a VM.

This is great because you don't have to install the distribution in a VM. You can load up the ISO into the VM every time as new or simply reload a suspended image.

When you feel comfortable - try installing the version of Linux in the VM.

You could also simply burn an ISO to a CD/DVD and boot it up to play with it - no install required.

You should also take a look at Sun's VirtualBox VM manager. Its free and pretty good.

Answer 4

Try http://elasticserver.com/

They have a a la carte approach for linux VM's.

Answer 5

Virtual Hosted Linux is a pain. If you MUST do this, then use Sun's VirtualBox - it starts up faster and really is easier to use than anything else .. You can get Ready To Use VDI images from VirtualBoxImages too... But, if you just wanna 'play around' with linux, then why not boot up a LiveCD ..