Virtual Machines for testing Operating Systems.

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Many of the users are still not aware of the uses of Virtual Machines (VM). It is not commonly used but that doesn't mean that it is useless. The term Virtual Machine is a bit confusing but it is nothing more than a Software. I will tell you about the basics of a Virtual Machine. After reading this post, you will be able to set up a Virtual Machine easily.OK lets start…

What is a Virtual Machine?

A virtual machine (VM) is an environment, usually a program or operating system, which does not physically exist but is created within another environment. In this context, a VM is called a "guest" while the environment it runs within is called a "host." You can install Operating Systems on a Virtual Machine software without disturbing your default operating system. What a Virtual Machine does is that it creates a virtual environment for an operating system to run. The VM software can be installed onto a computer just like you install a software. But it runs in a different way. The term Virtual Machine has several definitions. Actually there are different types of virtual machines (having different functions). I don’t want to explain too much. I will tell you about the other types of virtual machines later. Today, we will learn about installing an operating system on a VM.

Why should I install an Operating System using a VM?

Imagine that you’ve got a no.of Linux distros and you just want to test them and select the suitable one to dualboot. It is difficult to install them one by one in the regular way. And it is not easy to remove them also. The changes you make during an installation is often difficult to revert. But you can test them on a virtual machine like installing a software and you can also remove them very easily. Even if something goes wrong with the installed operating system or the programs in it, nothing will happen to the host OS or the data in your computer.

How to setup a Virtual Machine?

To setup a Virtual Machine, you need the following :
1) A Virtual Machine Software.
2) An image file or a CD/DVD of the Operating system you want to install.
3) A decent machine.
1) Virtual Machine Software : A lot of them are out there. VMware Workstation is a very popular VM but it is vey costly. A free but very efficient VM software out there. It is called Virtual Box (Sun xVM) Download it from here.
2) You can use a DVD or image file to install the OS. I will be using an image file of Sabayon Linux which I downloaded from their website.
3) A P4 with 1 GB of RAM will be enough.
Actually there is no need to explain the installation procedure. It is very easy. After installing virtual box, open it and go to help->contents. Everything you need to know about setting up a new VM is explained perfectly there. Just read the help section (it is a guide actually) and follow the instructions.

A Virtual Machine is not an alternative for the real machine. It has so many limitations. So it is not a permanent solution. The best idea is to test the operating systems using a VM and if you find it useful, dual boot it along with the host OS.
You now know what a virtual machine is and you know how to setup one. You are now an advanced user…at least in the eyes of your bathroom mirror. : D
Congrats
Prince