For some reason, most novice users are afraid and unwilling to install a virtual computer on their machine, and in vain. After all, it is easy to use and gives a lot of advantages, without overloading the system. Especially in our time, when a modern computer has such power that several virtual machines can be safely run on it.
A virtual computer serves to install any operating system on your machine, the operation of which will in no way affect the functioning of the main system. If desired, you can remove it and install a new one at any time. And the number of virtual machines is limited only by the free space of your hard drive.
Why would an ordinary user spend time setting up a virtual computer? Firstly, it is convenient to use it to test the operation of various applications, especially if it is a trial version that has just appeared and may contain errors. Secondly, the virtual computer makes it possible to evaluate the new version of the operating system before making the final transition to it. And thirdly, with its help, you can put yourself an OS for working with applications that are not designed to work on the main system. You can also explore an alternative OS. Who knows, maybe it will be more stable and suitable for you.
Virtual computer assembly is carried out in minutes and with a few clicks of the mouse. The main thing is to stock up in advance with a disk or image to install the selected OS.
Such a program can work not only on the user's local machine, but also on a network server. A virtual computer on the Internet is a natural result of the development of the information space. Usually it is used by web studios and experienced programmers who do not have enough of the features that conventional hosting provides.
So, suppose you decide to have a virtual computer. What application to choose for this? Consider briefly the five most popular programs:
- VMware Workstation
- VirtualBox
- Microsoft Virtual PC
- Parallels Desktop
- QEMU.
VMware Workstation is a virtual computer with rich functionality designed more for office workers than for home users, and therefore costs pretty well - about 6,000 rubles. However, you can choose a free version for your home - Vmware Player. Using it, you cannot create a virtual machine, but you can run ready-made assemblies.
VirtualBox is a free cross-platform application with excellent localization. This machine has subtle settings and speed slightly inferior to VWmare Workstation, but it can emulate a large number of different hardware. Moreover, these are analogues of real programs, and not some nameless components. For example, Intel PRO, PCnet Ethernet adapters, IDE controllers and PIIX3 and ICH6, Intel HD Audio and ICH AC97. There is one caveat with this machine - its truncated OSE version does not have USB 2.0, and therefore connecting any device will be very difficult.
Virtual PC is a development by Microsoft designed for general users. It does not support virtual optical disks, but this disadvantage can be compensated by using third-party software, such as Daemon Tools or Alcohol 52%. This machine can work with a network (both virtual and real), is easily installed and configured, has a small size and good localization. And besides, it's free.
Parallels Desktop can run on both Windows and Linux. It is designed to work on Apple computers. Of course, there are other similar applications for Macs, but this program is the most convenient and reliable. Unfortunately, it is paid and costs about 2600 rubles and has no localization. But for the corporate sector this is a good option.
The QEMU virtual computer is an open source camp design. It works on systems that are based on Linux. Its advantage is the support of a large number of architectures, but multi-platform simultaneously leads to a decrease in the speed of this machine. Therefore, it makes sense to use it if the processor architecture is not x86 type.