Part One: Overview of Virtualization and Installing the VMware Player

Part Two: Setting up a Virtual Machine

I’ll expand on this more tomorrow, but it’s late now.

In the meantime here are the links referenced in the videos:

VMware Player: http://www.vmware.com/products/player
Appliance Library: http://www.vmware.com/appliances

January 22, 2008 (Computerworld) — Microsoft Corp. on Monday dropped its prohibition on running the least-expensive versions of Windows Vista in virtual machines, doubling the choices for Macintosh owners who run the rival operating system in VMware Inc.’s Fusion or Parallels Inc.’s Parallels.

Given the reaction of many consumers across the IT market – including myself – this is a very wise move on Microsoft’s part. Yes Windows still dominates the personal computer market, but the trend amongst many users has been marred by disgust and frustration.

Many have begun to move onto greener pastures, which is arguably responsible for the move by some manufacturers like Dell to start offering alternatives.

“You asked, we listened. For advanced users and tech enthusiasts, we’re happy to offer a new open-source operating system, so you can dive in and truly enjoy a PC experience just the way you want it. In addition to the FreeDOS systems we already offer, we are proud to announce PCs with Ubuntu.”

I suspect Microsoft has finally cottoned on to market opinion and is trying to quell the discontent. Hopefully this will also translate to significant improvements in the operating system when the first service pack is released later this year.

Only time will tell.

References:

• “Microsoft dumps Vista virtualization limits“, Computerworld, 22 January 2008
• “Vista virtualization move opens real doors“, CNET News.com, 22 January 2008

Despite my love for open source software, there are certain things that I prefer to do – or can only do – on proprietary systems. For example as far as I’m concerned nobody beats Mac’s digital media production capabilities (such as audio and video editing).

Additionally, like it or not Windows is still one of the main focal points for software developers. So it’s an unfortunate reality that development house’s often code to the Windows spec at the exclusion of other platforms. Most proprietary software packages do have an open source equivalent, but not all of them.

There may be ways of configuring Linux to run these applications – but at this stage that’s above my skill set.

[NB: If you know of a way of configuring Ubuntu to run virtual systems please let me know.]

Therefore personally speaking, the prospect of switching exclusively to Ubuntu just isn’t realistic. However I have found a way to enjoy cross-platform functionality from a single laptop, and that is through the miracle of the virtual machine.

One of the greatest asset allocations I’ve been assigned at work is my Intel-core MacBook. Yes it’s an exceptionally fast machine, but it’s the switch from PPC to Intel that has made it a phenomenal piece of machinery.

This switch has opened the door to running Windows XP virtually within the Mac, and with it the ability to run all the Windows software that doesn’t exist on any other platform. It also enables Ubuntu installations, along with a slew of other operating systems.

As far as I’m concerned, if you can afford to go this route, this is the ideal solution for any computer user.

I’ve already outlined the installation instructions and component requirements in “VMware Delivers OS Trifecta“, so I won’t repeat myself here. What I’d like to emphasise though is the installation process is exceptionally easy and is literally a matter of following the prompts and answering the basic questions you’re asked.

If you’re a disgruntled PC user looking for a reason to go Mac or Linux but don’t want to see all your PC software go to waste I strongly recommend considering this avenue.

This OS triple-play was not nearly as difficult to pull off as you might think.
Ingredients

1) Intel-based MacBook
2) VMWare Fusion
3) Windows XP Professional
4) Ubuntu Feisty Fawn
Steps to Implementation

1) Download VMWare Fusion and install on Mac OS X.

URL: http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/features.html

Installation directions are exceptionally easy to follow and require only 10 to 20 minutes to complete including reading time. 30-day evaluation licenses are available for those interested in preliminary inquiry only. Retail price for a single license is USD$80.

2) Launch VMware Fusion Library

Select New and follow the prompts. You will first be asked to Choose an Operating System, followed by a series of prompts that configure the settings. If you’ve read the instructions there won’t be any surprises; nor is there anything particularly complex.

NB: Be sure to have the installation disc/s ready for the virtual machine you intend to set up.

3) Install OS as per normal

When you reach the end of the set-up prompts in the VMware Fusion Virtual Machine Library you will begin the installation of your virtual OS. At this point the process becomes exactly the same as though it were a fresh install on a brand new machine.

NB: At the end of the Windows XP installation most drivers and hardware were detected automatically, though I have so far been unable to get either Ubuntu or Win XP to see the internal Mac web camera. Everything else has been smooth sailing.

4) To install another OS repeat steps one through 3.

You can do this as many times as your harddrive space permits.

Note though that running multiple virtual machines – as I have in the first picture – is not advisable as the system resources required to run it are likely more than your machine can handle. My laptop spat the dummy shortly after this screenshot was taken.
Additional Screenshots

Installing Ubuntu on Mac OS X

Windows XP Professional on Mac OS X