Running multiple OS’s on the same computer can be extremely useful.  Now, there is a way to do that; and best of all, it is free.  The product is called VMware and it is a tool that runs “Virtual Machines” on a preexisting Windows or Linux computer. 

With VMware, you can create a fully functional Linux partition on a Windows PC; and vice versa.  You can install different versions and mix whatever you like.  This is a great tool when trying to consolidate servers or creating a test environment. 

There are several versions of this product (some require a fee); the one that I will discuss is VMware Server, this is a product that we currently use and it has been great.  With this free version, you can run many versions of Windows, Linux, Novell, and Sun all on the same server.  The installation is a breeze, just follow these steps. 

First, we will need a copy to install.  It can be found at:http://www.vmware.com/products/server/ and is a quick download.  Place it in a server of your choice (running Windows or Linux) and wait for the wizard. 

Here is the first screen

 

After you say yes to license agreement; select Complete or Custom install.  I will select Custom to show what the options are, if you select complete – everything will be installed by default.
 

This next screen gives you the option of what and where you would like to install certain features.  Such as: what drive to install the program, server and client components and other utilities.
 

Select next
 

…and watch it install
 

Select finish and it is installed.  Now, we can open VMware and go through the easy process of installing a ‘virtual machine.’ 

Here is the the home screen.  Select ‘New Virtual Machine’ and a wizard will show you the way.

 

Select next
 

I will do a typical install; which will give us all the options that we need.
 

Now decide which OS you want to install.  Select the OS of choice and hit the drop down menu to pick what version you want.
 

Now, pick a name and where to install.
 

Select what Network Type you want; here I selected bridged which will give the virtual OS access to an external network, it will also have its’ own IP.
 

Decide how big you want the hard drive to be.
 

Watch the progress…
 

…And now you have completed the setup.
 

Start your Virtual Server and now watch the screen as it will start up like a normal server.
 

It will use the CD or DVD ROM of the original server; once the disk for the OS is in place, it will install like a normal OS install.
 

After you have installed the OS, you can use it like a regular server.  Setup remote desktop (Windows) and login; you cannot even tell it is virtual. 

The only issue that I have come across is Memory and Hard Drive space.  Memory will be shared among all active OS’s, including the main server.  There is an option to select how much memory to use for each specific ‘Virtual Machine;’ thus the more you install the less memory you have.  It can appear slow, but depending on what the server will be used for – you can adjust accordingly. 

Since everything will share hard drive space, make sure you give each Virtual Server enough space, as well as the main server.  The hard drive can be taken away quickly; but depending on the size of your hard drive – divvy up the space any way that you see fit. 

All in all, I have had great experiences with VMware.  We have different versions of Windows and Linux running on the same server.  This is great for developmental testing and combining of servers that we are trying to phase out.  Take a look and play around, you will see what VMware can do for you. 

VMware Encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMware 

VMware Homepage
http://www.vmware.com/ 

Virtual Environments
http://www.run-virtual.com/ 

How to VMware
http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/Vmware_how_to

Filed under: Technical Articles on July 3rd, 2007 |