Good VM software?

[red_dog007]

I want to install Win8 and a Linux on a VM on my laptop jus to play with. See what is up.
Might end up using Linux as a powerful dev tool, but that might be a ways down the road.

What software is a good solution?
I went to VMware because I know that they have powerful tools, but man, what do I get? They have so many selections on other website.


I just want something light, small, and fast that can handle two OS with whatever software I install in it. Win8 is more just to play with and see what the buzz is about.

[jthev05]

VMWare player is a great option and it's free: http://www.vmware.com/products/player/

Oracle has a program called VirtualBox which would also be sufficient: https://www.virtualbox.org/

I use a variety of VMWare enterprise tools and they're all great, so I highly recommend player.

[red_dog007]

sweet. thanks. download now. \m/

[red_dog007]

Installing Windows 8, and not going how I imaged it. Just says "Windows" white text on a black background. No progress bar or anything.

If I pop the disk out Windows goes "WTF" and I get a pretty blue screen (not the scary one).

[jthev05]

That's really odd I've never seen that before. Have you considered doing a dual-boot of Windows 8, or are you set on the virtualization method? It's possible vmware doesn't recognize windows 8 yet since it's not at rtm status yet, but I distinctly running windows 7 in a vm well before it came out. Let me see if I can find anything out.

--- Post Update ---

This should help you out: http://www.sysprobs.com/guide-instal...h-vmware-tools

[Purextc69]

I use virtual box And cant help with the windows 8 thing as i am not interested in it at the moment.

[troyquigley]

i loved virtualbox

especially the PORTABLE version.

http://www.vbox.me/