Easy intro to Linux

redmyrlin · 2 Feb 2006, 05:12 PM

I recently came across this application which I have been trying out these past few days. I'm quite impressed and feel that it provides a good alternative to partitioning and multi-booting and as such would provide a good way for any windows user to easily sample the delights of Linux

As it allows you to specify an iso file as the virtual cd/dvd drive, and change that file while running, a Linux distro can be installed without the need to own or burn a physical disk.

See this screenshot which shows my SUSE virtual desktop with an open Firefox window. .In fact this post was written using this virtual desktop.

I should add that I have no connection with the company that produces this software beyond buying their product. I'm just an advocate for MS alternatives looking for ways that let people experience those alternatives.

nbarr · 3 Feb 2006, 01:09 AM

Looks Interesting.

Another product in a somewhat similar vein is DSL (Damn Small Linux) (Free).

It is an under 50mb Linux (Debian) installation that can be burned to Mini CD and then booted from that Mini CD
or run embedded within a Windows installation or even be booted from a USB drive.

It includes a full suite of applications.
FireFox
Sylpheed-Claws email client and News Reader
Word Processor
spread sheet
FTP Client
etc

beq · 3 Feb 2006, 01:42 PM

Interesting, I wonder how it compares to VMware's Workstation?

I also just read that VMware will now give away its GSX Server package for free (perhaps to gain momentum over the Xen project that made all the headlines with the major open-source players last year).

VMware also gives away its Player for free. I don't suppose there's any compatibility with Parallels?

2 Feb 2006, 05:12 PM	#1
redmyrlin Master of the @ Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,409	Easy intro to Linux I recently came across this application which I have been trying out these past few days. I'm quite impressed and feel that it provides a good alternative to partitioning and multi-booting and as such would provide a good way for any windows user to easily sample the delights of Linux As it allows you to specify an iso file as the virtual cd/dvd drive, and change that file while running, a Linux distro can be installed without the need to own or burn a physical disk. See this screenshot which shows my SUSE virtual desktop with an open Firefox window. .In fact this post was written using this virtual desktop. I should add that I have no connection with the company that produces this software beyond buying their product. I'm just an advocate for MS alternatives looking for ways that let people experience those alternatives.

3 Feb 2006, 01:09 AM	#2
nbarr Cornerstone of the Community Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Calgary Posts: 606	Looks Interesting. Another product in a somewhat similar vein is DSL (Damn Small Linux) (Free). It is an under 50mb Linux (Debian) installation that can be burned to Mini CD and then booted from that Mini CD or run embedded within a Windows installation or even be booted from a USB drive. It includes a full suite of applications. FireFox Sylpheed-Claws email client and News Reader Word Processor spread sheet FTP Client etc

3 Feb 2006, 01:42 PM	#3
beq Cornerstone of the Community Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: USA Posts: 895	Interesting, I wonder how it compares to VMware's Workstation? I also just read that VMware will now give away its GSX Server package for free (perhaps to gain momentum over the Xen project that made all the headlines with the major open-source players last year). VMware also gives away its Player for free. I don't suppose there's any compatibility with Parallels?