how do i install Linux in windows virtual PC?

Question

i have xp mode in virtual PC. how do i get Linux to install? every time i go to start from the disk it pops up ask for language and then as soon as i push install it says i/o error? did i not download it right?

Answer 1

From what I can see in Microsoft's site, they don't support Linux in their Virtual PC software. Your problem could still be a bad Linux CD, but most probably it is your virtualization software which doesn't support Linux as a guest operating system.



I recommend you install VirtualBox (get it for free from virtualbox.org). It is an excellent virtualization software and it supports Linux wonderfully. You can install it in a Windows host or a Linux host. Then, create the virtual machine in it and make it a Linux (I assume you are installing Ubuntu, right?). Use the CD or the iso image to boot your new virtual machine and proceed with the installation.



If you still get I/O errors you should try to download the iso file again. Once your installation completes successfully, install the guest additions (they are likely to be found in the Linux distribution so the installation will be automatic) and it will give you a much more comfortable working environment and better integration between the guest and the host systems. Ask here if you need help with more specific problems.

Answer 2

Step 1 Shut your computer down through the Start menu. When it boots back up, hit the F8 key (you might have to do it a few times before the setup menu comes up).

Step 2 Restart the computer. While it's booting, hit the F8 key (you might have to do it a few times before the setup menu comes up).

Step 3 Hold down the Alt button and press U or D (up or down) until you have the CD/DVD drive selected.

Step 4 Save the changes and exit the setup menu. Your computer will now begin to load Windows.

Step 5 Insert the Linux start up disk into the CD/DVD drive.

Step 6 Shut down your computer after Windows has completely started.

Step 7 Power on the computer. The Linux start up menu will come up after a few moments.

Step 8Follow the Linux walkthrough.

Step 9Personalize Linux to some extent by having it include applications from a fairly vast assortment.

Step 10Enter the graphic user interface of the system, plus your primary setup options.

Answer 3

The RAM is only used when the Virtual Machine is running, so don't leave it running when you are not using it, unless you are willing to give up the RAM. The same goes for other resources, such as processor and disk usage (unless you get a seperate hard drive for your virtual machines, which is what many VM servers have). For your second question, the concepts are pretty different. It depends on what you want to do. I do both, it just depends on which computer I am using. On my laptop, I dual boot Linux and Windows. Dual booting is practical when you don't want to waste resources and have time to restart when you want to switch between OS's. Also, when you dual boot, there is no way to use both OS's at the same time. On my desktop (which has a lot more processing power, memory, etc), I use Virtual Machines. Virtual Machines are usefull becuase they can run at the same time, so you can swap with litterally a mouse click, and even look between the two destops. However, remember the drain on resources, although this is very configurable. You should be fine, as far as RAM, running a virtual machine when you need it. However, remember processor, and most importantly, the most often forgotten, hard drive speed. Both OS's have to read from the hard drive, and this can slow down your computer. If you don't have a fast hard drive, I would suggest not using both OS's at the same time. You can RUN them at the same time, but don't do things on both at the same time, unless you need to, it will just slow both down. P.S. I use VMWare, but I have heard Virtual PC is good too.

Answer 4

Installing Ubuntu as a dual-boot with Windows without partitioning

http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/wubi



You keep Windows as it is, Wubi only adds an extra option to boot into Ubuntu. Wubi does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application.



Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.



Boot in to windows insert the Ubuntu 9.10 LiveCD and you will offered the option of installing inside windows which is where the Wubi installer comes in, you will be asked how many gigabytes you wish to allocate to Ubuntu (I recommend 8gb) then you set a password for your installation then click install and thats it.



Once Ubuntu is fully installed upon starting your PC you will be given a choice of which operating system you want to use Windows or Ubuntu



Ubuntu 9.10 Download

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download



Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) User Guide

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Karmic



Ubuntu 9.10 can also be run straight from the LiveCD





LUg.

Answer 5

This is not exactly the answer to ur question, but I think the best way to install linux (ubuntu) is by using the Wubi installer. I'm guessing u have the iso file..i think thats the safest and easiest method.

find more here: http://wubi-installer.org/faq.php

also u could later make it a permanent installation with a dedicated partition and stuff, if u're happy with it.