Use VMWare to Run Multiple Operating Systems

VMWare is a virtulization program offered by Microsoft to help create Virtual Machines that run within your Operating System. This differs from a dual boot computer, as virtualization creates an environment that resides inside of the OS after you boot. A computer inside of your computer, if you will.

So what does this mean for you? Well, virtulization allows users to run multiple Operating Systems on the same PC. So if you have a program that only works with Windows XP, you can install it on the virtual PC and be able to use it without a problem. This also allows helpdesk technicians to provide support to users of any Operating System. Virtualization also provides a safe "sandbox" OS that can get viruses and other Malware without infecting the host computer. If you get infected in VMware, simple delete the virtual machine.

How to Install VMWare

We will actually be using the VMware Player to display the environment and a third-party service to create the virtual machine to run inside the player. Once the VMware Player is installed, go to EasyVMX to create the virtual machine. Choose Super Simple and fill in the fields to let it know what Operating System you will be installing, the name of the virtual machine and the amount of memory you want to give it. You will then need to download a .zip file and extract the contents to any folder. Next, click the .vmx file and launch the virtual machine. Make sure you have the bootable Operating System or .iso image in the main CD drive. You will essentially see your computer booting inside of this Window starting with the BIOS screen. If the computer's boot sequence is set to boot to the CD drive first, the installation of your OS will begin as if you were installing it on your main computer.

Both the VMware Player and EasyVMX are free.

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