VMware Workstations offers a secure way to run multiple operating systems simultaneously and is the obvious virtualization choice for many, being the leader in the market. However, VMware Workstation will set you back about $200 (current price in US for version 7.1 is $189).
What if you could choose a free alternative instead? Enter Sun VirtualBox.
Sun VirtualBox is free and open-source and runs on 32 and 64-bit systems. What’s more, it supports Windows, Linux, and MAC OS X and has a great community behind it.
Before you spend the money on VMware Workstation, give Sun VirtualBox a shot.
Take a look at Veronica Henry’s article on how to install Sun VirtualBox and Widows 7 in Ubuntu and my TechRepublic article on how Sun VirtualBox functions in a Windows environment.
What is your favorite desktop virtualization tool?
A)VMware Workstation
B)VirtualBox
C)Parallels
D)Windows Virtual PC
E)Other (List)
My favorite virtualization solution is NONE !!! Becose no one is working for me ! We or i want to get rid of windows as host system ! Installing Virtual box in non windows os is pain in the ass, and it must be a minimal os host solution due to resurce consumption so that you still my have some performance. Installing XEN is even bigger pain in the ass (we talking abaut opensource, right). ESXi requers SCSI to install, XENServer and Sun xVM (is XEN derivate) is class server enterprise solution and not common desktop solution ! It must be solution like XEN live CD and version 2.0 that even runs from CD astonishing well, but for serios work is not an option or solution (no installer included and i wonder why)! So i have google a lot but no prebuilt install solution i have found in this category due to license restriction policy ! And now what ! You can find a tons of web sites with instructions and recepies how to build it your self, but for non geeks this is like talking chinese ! From my point of view is like reinvent the reinvention ! Its done before and works, but still must be reinvented again by doing your self ! With open source is no easy life despite trying the oposite ! It must be universal easy app installation standarized proces, like in win to be user frendly ! All other is for common user nonreachable and light years away a specialy virtualization !