runining linux on a windows os

[tobe1424]

I need further help how can I do this... I heard of VMware but im not familiar with how that works or MS Virtual Server.

Or Ive heard something about running an OS an as image? What exactly is that?

I have linux ubuntu and i want install it on by laptop running xp pro. thanks

[Sava700]

I need further help how can I do this... I heard of VMware but im not familiar with how that works or MS Virtual Server.

Or Ive heard something about running an OS an as image? What exactly is that?

I have linux ubuntu and i want install it on by laptop running xp pro. thanks

I think before I answer this I'd like to know why you would want to run ubuntu in the first place?? I've had students at the school where I work come to me with screwed up partitions and problems cause they felt bored and was like hey I think I want to try this without knowing what they were doing.

First off though you just want to split the drive if its at least over 60gigs, and dual boot, don't fool with the "Image" crap..too complicated.

[Amro]

It couldn't be simpler to use something like MS Virtual PC (I think it's free now) or VMWare to run Ubuntu. It's better than dual booting because if you decide you don't want it, you can just install the software and delete the VM file itself. If you dual boot and set it all up and decide you don't want it..then it's much more painful to go back to your system's original state.

If you decide that you DO like it, you can always dual boot later.

[YeOldeStonecat]

VMWare makes it easy...although most of the new *nix distros make it incredibly easy to dual boot your system also..their install routine will repartition your hard drive..saving your existing OS..creating free space to install themselves to. Boot up your PC..you have a bootloader choice as to which OS to boot into.

With Virtual PC or VMWare...they're also a great option..and safe, less risk than attempting a dual boot setup. Although I've yet to tank a system with a dual boot setup..the risk is there due to nearly infinite variables.

Most *nix distro websites will have a setup guide to install their distro into Virtual PC or VMWare. For example..Ubuntu..here's a guide for VMWare...
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/VMware

[stevebakh]

Even easier, many distributions (including Ubuntu) are live-disk based, which means you can boot from the CD and get some idea of what it will look and feel like, without installing to your HD. Using the live-disk won't be quite as fast as running it native, but I think it certainly wouldn't be any slower than using VMWare. It's as easy as popping the disc in your CD drive and rebooting (assuming your BIOS is already set to auto boot from CD's, though if not, it's an easy, single option to change).

[Shinobi]

VMWare will run linux on windows.. I forget if it is 100% free or not..

MS Virtual Server.. will run it but you have to install "extentions" type files from micrsofts web site.. I also do not think the program it is free..

MS Virtual PC 2007 is free, (runs ms stuff well) you will have a tough time running linux on it with out
some tweaking on the Linux install part..it has to do with the way the video drivers are...
Try this:
1) Switch to a console via ctrl-alt-f1
2) Login with user/pass
3) Run "sudo sed -i "/DefaultDepth/ s/24/16/" /etc/X11/xorg.conf" and then reboot.
I googled this, I'm going to try this myself.. going to bed right now. :sleep:

[tobe1424]

well for the first comment i want to install ubuntu or suse just to get a basic idea of how linux OS's work...never hurt to learn.

VMware its not free.... however MS virtual server is free...if VMware is better than running ms virtual than i dont mind paying a couple hundred buck...and also what extension will i have to download from microsoft..

and for the last respond...i tried those steps you googled... i have no ideal what that is... i pressed ctrl alt f1 and it just took me to a black screen.... but thanks anyways guys.... i guess ill to the web site that yeolde posted there..thanks again

[tobe1424]

ok guys now i have a little problem...i issued the command told above. ctrl alt f1 and now i can get back into a normal screen.. ive tried f2 - f12 and it changes a bit but doesnt go to the same screen as before...thanks

[Mark]

there is a free version of VMware, i ran it for awhile sometime ago.

ya just have to look for it


http://www.vmware.com/products/server/

[YeOldeStonecat]

VMware its not free.... however MS virtual server is free...if VMware is better than running ms virtual than i dont mind paying a couple hundred buck...and also what extension will i have to download from microsoft..

VMWare Server is free.
http://www.vmware.com/products/server/
This runs inside of a Windows installation....and you run your virtual appliances inside of a window.

Their enterprise (doesn't run inside of Windows..it's an, err..OS itself..sorta, and some other management consoles, P to V, etc...cost bucks. My colleague recent got VMWare certified..and we're VMWare partners. :D

[tobe1424]

thanks man...ill check that out... i went to the vmware site and i saw a bunch of vmware stuff and really didnt know what applied to each.

but like i said above ...i issued a ctrl alt f1 command in my computer and screen went black...then i ended pressing ctrl alt f3 and it toggoled to a screen but it only like in the center of the screen...how can i go back to a regular screen...and what the hell is the point of that command either way.

thank again guys

[stevebakh]

Control+alt+F1 takes you to a vitual terminal screen. Basically, it takes you out of your X session (the graphical desktop). Your X window will still exist and hitting Control+Alt+F7 will usually plop you back in there. Either way, the command he gave you simply changes the default bit depth for the desktop - something you shouldn't need to change, unless you're having problems. And you can run this command in a normal term anyway, even from inside a desktop environment.

Also, running linux in a virtual machine will feel rather slow and sluggish - primarily because the hardware is being emulated. I would really recommend using live disk's to get a feel for linux, or even just purchase a really cheap HD. I just bought a SATA 80 Gig drive for my parents computer for around £20. Looking on newegg, I can see drives of the same size for under US $40. Cheaper than a VM, easier than a VM, faster than a VM (running-wise) and just a better experience. =]

If you're willing to splash out money on VMWare, why not just buy an additional HD instead?

[tobe1424]

well cool yea i am planning on getting an extra HD on the computer my wife is buying me for xmas but as of now im on a laptop with about 110 gigs available on it....dont reallly care that much about performace so ill do the vmware as long as its free..

but man im still stuck in this mode that looks like a shrinked screen...ive tried ctrl alt f1 - f12 and only f3 brings me back to this screen that i can atleast see something... so i need some help here guys:confused:

thanks again

[tobe1424]

nvm guys...i solved it with a function key + space bar short cut...thanks any ways....