For Windows user who would like to try and get familiar with Linux, running it in virtual machine is a good way. There is no fear of wrecking the installation since you can always start over.
There are few things you need to get started.
- Install it just like any other programs.
- There are many different kinds of Linux with varying programs and setup. You will only need one.
- It will be in the format of .iso
- It should be Live CDs which allow you to use Linux without installing anything on your hard drive.
- Since Linux will be running as a Live CD, you will lose all the information if you shut down and exit the virtual machine.
Setup the VMWare with Linux
- You will need this ( virus free o(′ˇ‘)o )
- Extract to your C: drive.
- Input the Linux you download into the OS folder. There should be OS.VMX, OS.vmdk and your Linux version. For example, I have these inside my folder:
- Open OS.VMX with notepad.
- Make some changes as shown below.
______________________________
ide1:0.present = “TRUE”
ide1:0.fileName = “c:\image.iso“
ide1:0.deviceType = “cdrom-image”
___________________________
ide1:0.present = “TRUE”
ide1:0.fileName = “c:\F10-i686-Live.iso“
ide1:0.deviceType = “cdrom-image”
______________________________
Change words in red to the Linux version you downloaded. In my case, it would be c:\F10-i686-Live.iso. Don’t forget the .iso.
All the things should be set now, double click on OS.vmx and VMWare will run automatically and Linux should be able to start now.
To make easy access, simply right click on OS.vmx and make a shortcut to the desktop.
