A while back I looked at a few tips for customising Windows boot sequence. However, what happens if you want to go one step further and run multiple operating systems in one PC. Say, for testing or software compatibility purposes, you need Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000 or even Mac OS on the same PC. Is it possible?
The good news is, yes it is and there are two ways of doing it. One is to divide your hard drive and install separate operating systems on each partition (known as Dual Booting and a very time consuming process). A much easier way however is to install a Virtual Machine – a program which can recreate other operating systems “virtually” within your current operating system. It is the latter I will focus on because by doing so, you can switch between operating systems as if you were simply toggling between applications on your desktop. And best of all, it takes no time to setup.
For Windows users, undoubtedly one of the best is Microsoft’s own Virtual PC 2007 which installs a virtual environment in which several operating systems are possible. This includes versions of MS-DOS, Windows and OS/2. If you’re not a fan of Microsoft products however, then popular in the Softonic office is VMware which similarly, creates a virtual environment and operating system in which we can test and experiment with applications to our heart’s content without running the risk of damaging our operating systems or hard drives. The advantage with VMware is that is also allows you to experiment in Linux and NetWare environments.
If you find either of the above hard to get to grips with, then probably the simplest solution is Parallels Workstation. This extremely easy to use package of Windows and Linux recreates all Windows platforms, OS/2 and even Solaris and eComStation.
Of course, installing a virtual operating system is no substitute for installing a real operating system. A virtual machine can only simulate an operating system up to a certain point and there will be many features lacking that you are used to in the real thing. For more information about Virtual Machines as an alternative to Dual Booting, Microsoft provide a good analysis of the pros and cons here.
