I have been trying to get hands on a Linux machine in vain for the last few months. I didn't wanna have dual boot machines. A seemsless switch like channels in a TV is what i really needed. Virtualization, is the channel switching solution. I wanted to use XFIG, LYX and latex2html(not a big motivation for using linux, but anyways). Currently there are 2 "prime" products, namely microsoft
VirtualPC and vmware
warkstation. The only reason I choose VirtualPC, was their 45 day eval period and $120+ price tag as opposed to 30 day from vmware and $180+. Microsoft(MS) is known to be an under-dog in almost everything they have done till now who ultimately become the market leader. So, few years from now, MS and vmware will be arch rivals (there are already i believe). So, I am hoping I have made the right choice amoung the 2.
Interestingly, VPC related documentation in the MS website now-where mentions (forget documentaions of how to install linux or make it work) the support for linux which was very disappointing. Google grps came to my rescue and having read several postings and links ..
http://vpc.visualwin.com/http://vpc.visualwin.com/Notes/FedoraCore.3.Final.htmlwhere the most helpful.
The installation is seemless if one can really read the instructions with patience. with Linux (though I like it), whenever whatever I tried for the first time, I never got it right (which made it all more exciting, when u finally get it to work). Now I have win and linux talking to each other.
The shared folder works only if the Guest OS is Win family (which sucks). I wish they had it for linux as well. I use FTP now .. Docs say Samba can be used as well. I am yet to read about it.
