11 Virtual Machine Solutions To Ease Your Cross-Platform Checks

Key Takeaways

Virtual machines offer a cost-effective solution for designers and developers who need access to multiple operating systems (OS) without having to purchase additional computers. They allow for the operation of multiple OS on a single desktop.
There are numerous virtual machine solutions available, including Bochs, Parallels, VirtualBox, VMWare, and Xen for running multiple operating systems, and Boot Camp, DOSBox, Internet Explorer Application Compatibility VPC Images, and Microsoft Virtual PC for running Microsoft operating systems.
When choosing a virtual machine solution, key considerations include compatibility with your OS, user-friendly interface, robust security features, and efficient performance and resource management capabilities. Some virtual machine software is available for free, but these may have limitations compared to paid versions.

At one time or another, just about every designer and developer has wished that they could have more than one operating system (OS) at their disposal, but not all of us can afford multiple computers due to money constraints or physical space restrictions.

That is where virtual machines come in handy as they allow you to run more than one OS on your current desktop at a fraction of the cost, and sometimes even for free, without having to buy a separate machine. We’ve gathered up 11 solutions that should cover all of your bases.

Virtual Machines For Running Multiple Operating Systems

Bochs: Bochs is a handy virtual machine that can run on numerous systems down to ARM-based IPAQs. The guest operating systems are too numerous to list, but they includes all of the usual suspects including some off-the-wall entries like OS/2 and QNX.

Parallels: Parallels is probably the best known virtual machine out there simply because it is one of the easiest to use, and got the most attention for it being the first Mac host to work with the Intel chips to bring Windows to the Apple systems. While it is best known for its ability to run Windows, Parallels is also capable of supporting Linux, FreeBSD, OS/2 and more.

Parallels Desktop: While Parallels is most associated with Macs, there is a version for Windows and Linux systems. With Parallels Desktop you can run Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, OS/2, eComStation, MS-DOS and Solaris on your systems.

VirtualBox: VirtualBox is an x86 virtualization solution from Sun Microsystems that is free and open source. It can run on Windows, Linux, Macintosh and OpenSolaris hosts. Guest operating systems include DOS, just about every flavor of Windows, Linux, Solaris, OpenSolaris, OpenBSD and more.

Virtual Machine Manager: Virt Manager, as it is more commonly known, is a virtual machine manager that allows you to run both local and remote virtual machines with multiple operating systems on your Red Hat Linux install.

VMWare: VMWare as a company is considered an industry leader in the system virtualization market, and as such the company makes so many different solutions for OS virtual machines that it would almost be impossible to list them all. Suffice it to say, if you have one OS, they probably have a solution for you to run another one on your system.

Xen: Xen runs on NetBSD, Linux and Solaris systems to emulate FreeBSD, NetBSD, Linux, Solaris, Windows XP, Windows 2003 Server and more. The program is released under the GPL license.

Virtual Machines For Running Microsoft Operating Systems

Boot Camp: Boot Camp is an included utility in the past few versions of Mac OS X that allows Intel-based Macs to run Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 inside of the Macintosh environment or to reboot the system into.

DOSBox: DOSBox is built around running DOS games, but some people have had success with getting Windows 3.1 to run inside of it. Due to the architecture of the program, DOSBox has been ported to many different operating systems including Windows, BeOS, Linux, Mac OS X and more.

Internet Explorer Application Compatibility VPC Images: Ever wondered what your new design looks like in Internet Explorer 6 running on Windows XP SP3? Don’t have that installed? No problem! Microsoft provides you with numerous images that let you see how things look in various versions of Internet Explorer running on Windows XP and Vista. Should be quite handy with Windows 7 coming at us at full speed.

Microsoft Virtual PC: Formerly known as Virtual PC, Microsoft Virtual PC is a new feature in Windows 7 that will allow you to run a licensed version of Windows XP SP3 in a new feature called “Windows XP Mode.” Older versions of the program on various system configurations are capable of running numerous versions of Windows, and in some cases you can even convince it to run Linux.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Virtual Machine Solutions

What are the key features to look for in a virtual machine solution?

When choosing a virtual machine solution, there are several key features to consider. Firstly, compatibility with your operating system is crucial. The software should be able to run smoothly on your OS, whether it’s Windows, Mac, or Linux. Secondly, the solution should offer a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate, even for beginners. Thirdly, look for a solution that offers robust security features to protect your data and system from threats. Lastly, consider the solution’s performance and resource management capabilities. It should be able to handle your workload without slowing down your system.

How does virtual machine software enhance productivity?

Virtual machine software enhances productivity by allowing users to run multiple operating systems on a single computer. This means you can run software that is only available on a different OS without needing a separate machine. It also allows developers to test their applications on different platforms without the need for multiple devices. Additionally, virtual machines can be easily cloned and deployed, saving time on system setup and configuration.

Is it safe to use virtual machine software?

Yes, using virtual machine software is generally safe. In fact, it can enhance your system’s security. Since virtual machines are isolated from the host system, they can prevent malware or viruses from spreading to the host. However, it’s important to choose a solution with robust security features and to keep your software updated to protect against potential threats.

Can I use virtual machine software for free?

Yes, there are several virtual machine solutions available for free. However, these may have limitations in terms of features and capabilities compared to paid versions. It’s important to evaluate your needs and choose a solution that offers the best value for your requirements.

How does virtual machine software impact system performance?

Virtual machine software can impact system performance, as it requires a portion of your system’s resources to run. However, modern solutions are designed to manage resources efficiently to minimize impact on system performance. It’s important to ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for the software to run smoothly.

Can I run multiple virtual machines at the same time?

Yes, you can run multiple virtual machines at the same time, provided your system has sufficient resources. Each virtual machine requires a portion of your system’s memory, storage, and processing power. Running too many virtual machines can slow down your system, so it’s important to manage your resources effectively.

How do I choose the best virtual machine software for my needs?

Choosing the best virtual machine software depends on your specific needs. Consider factors such as your operating system, the software’s features and capabilities, its security features, and its impact on system performance. It’s also helpful to read reviews and compare different solutions to make an informed decision.

Can I use virtual machine software to run games?

Yes, you can use virtual machine software to run games. However, performance may vary depending on the game’s requirements and the capabilities of the virtual machine software. Some games may not run smoothly or at all on a virtual machine.

What is the difference between virtual machine software and dual booting?

Virtual machine software allows you to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single machine, while dual booting requires you to restart your computer to switch between operating systems. Virtual machines offer more flexibility and convenience, but may have a greater impact on system performance.

Can I use virtual machine software to recover data?

Yes, virtual machine software can be used to recover data. You can create a virtual machine from a system backup or disk image, allowing you to access files and data without affecting your current system. However, this should be done with caution to avoid potential data loss or corruption.