Test Drive Any OS Without Installing It On Your Computer With Microsoft Virtual PC
Many people said “NO” to the new Microsoft OS, Windows 7. The previous version of Microsoft, Windows Vista, had not been a successful product. It was filled with lots of bugs. Moreover, one of the main drawback of Vista, it occupied more space. It becomes difficult to choose which is good and which is bad. Windows 7 cannot be trusted as it may again contain the same bugs, which Vista had.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could test operating systems before installing them on the system? This would really reduce a lot of pain. Installing and uninstalling requires a lot of time, but if the OS is not good then all the time spent becomes a waste.
Virtual Machines, What Are They?
Now, to test these operating systems, without REALLY installing them on your computer, you can use virtual machines. These are just like Virtual Disc Mangers you use to mount your ISO files. However, instead of mounting CD/DVD it mounts an extra hard-drive.
There are many Virtual Machine applications out there, which help you to mount operating systems. I use Microsoft Virtual PC, which is very efficient in carrying out work.
How To Install Operating Systems Virtually?
The procedure of installing the OS,
- Boot the OS CD from the virtual machine software. (You can also mount the ISO file and boot it, if you don’t have a CD)
- Follow the wizard and set the memory configurations etc. (The wizard is very easy) you can ask me if any doubts arise, through comments below. Here are some images to help you make your way.
- Follow the procedure of installing the OS as in normal hard disk.
- Now, the OS will be installed in the virtual machine. Use it as usual like in a real computer.
