How to: Linux Virtualization
Virtualization is the creation and use of virtual computers, often called "virtual boxes," whether on a server or on a desktop. Virtualization makes it possible to try an operating system without installing it to a hard drive and use a virtual system installed on a server from a client or workstation without the actual system installed locally. Using virtualization software, or virtualware, on Linux allows you to try as many Linux distributions as you want without having to do any partitioning. In Linux, the most common virtualware applications are VirtualBox, VMware and QEMU.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
VirtualBox
-
1
VirtualBox is a popular virtualware product available for Linux operating systems. VirtualBox is cross-platform software, available for Linux, Mac or Windows PCs. It will allow you to create a virtual "box" for any of these systems provided you have the installation CD/DVD. VirtualBox creates a virtual hard drive and installs the system there. No reboots of your actual system are required. You can test any system virtually in a window (that behaves like a separate computer) before you install it to a hard drive or new partition. You can also download virtual "appliances" (.VDI files) to open and run via VirtualBox. They are available for download at virtualboximages.com or virtualboxes.org. If you download an appliance, you can often avoid having to download and burn an installation DVD.
-
2
VMware is another virtualization application that is available on some Linux systems. The "Player" is free, but the other VMware tools, such as its workstation virtualization product and its virtual server solutions, are not. Like VirtualBox, VMware Player will install virtual systems and allow you to test them in a window as if the virtual system were just another application installed locally on your hard drive.
-
-
3
The Xen Hypervisor is a third solution, an HVM (Hardware Virtual Machine) that allows multiple guest systems to run concurrently on the same hardware. Xen is usually used as a virtual server for clients or workstations to access the virtual systems that are installed. Xen works with modified versions of QEMU (another virtualization software) to bridge the gap between virtual server and virtual workstation.
-
4
TurnKey Linux is a unique method of experiencing virtualization. TurnKey is built entirely on the concept of virtualization, providing a library of 45 virtual appliances that can be written to CD or installed and used via VMware or VirtualBox. TurnKey lets you download each appliance as an .ISO, .VMDK or .OVF (Open Virtualization Format). Other distributions, such as Joli OS, have begun offering similar appliances (or "apps").
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Remember that the right "Ctrl" button lets you leave the virtual box (in VirtualBox) and return your mouse to the local system.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
