Virtual machines at home and in business. Virtual Machines at Home and Business Program Overview Virtual Machine

Consider more detailed what virtual machines for Windows are and for what they need. Find out all the best simulators OS and how to start using them.

The virtual machine (VM) is a computer application, with which the user can create an imitation of the operating system. The machine is set to an OS image to use inside the existing system. Very convenient, isn't it? But there are pitfalls. Read what you encounter when installing and which virtual machine for Windows versions 7.8 and 10 is better to choose.

Why do you need virtual machines for PC?

In most cases, VM are used to test software in. To work with several OS, you will need only one computer, which significantly speeds up work.

On one computer, you can run several virtual machines simultaneously. Their number depends on the available RAM and place on the children's disk, since the virtual OS consumes exactly the same memory resource as the usual installed copy of the computer.

Using virtual machines, you can work with programs, features that are not available in the main OS. Also, it is possible to create backup copies of VM, with their subsequent movement and use on other computers.

Viruses, errors and other virtual OS failures do not affect the operation of the main system. After closing the machine, the operation of the additional OS is stopped and the RAM is released.

During the operation of the VM, the device can slow down, because the increased consumption of repository resources leads to an increase in request processing time.

Causes of the installation of VM:

• You want to get acquainted with the work of other operating systems without their full installation. If there is a need to replace the existing OS, first use the virtual simulator to test other options for. It will relieve you from possible bugs and incompatibility with the hardware;
• You are a developer and want to create a comprehensive system for testing the applications being created.

VirtualBox.

VirtualBox is a virtual machine for Windows 7.8.10. Virtualization environment applies free of charge and can be installed both to operate with operating systems and for deploying network infrastructure and hosting sites.

Main Window VirtualBox:

The main feature of this virtual machine is cross-platform. It works great on all versions of Windows. Also, from the developer's website you can download installers for Mac OS, Debian. In the virtualization environment, you can install any desktop OS.

With VirtualBox, you can familiarize yourself with the OS functionality or in safe mode to test the program without harming the main system. Often, users prefer to install old games for virtual machines that are incompatible with modern OS.

After the simulator is completed, all data and changes will be saved. The next time you turn on, you will be returned to the desktop and you can continue the task.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of VirtualBox:

• Free distribution. 90% of the same software is paid, while VirtualBox can be obtained completely free. Functions and capabilities of the program are not limited to the developer;
• Ability to create screenshots - snapshots of the screen of the virtual system. The final image will display only an additional OS window. Creating screenshots using the main OS worsens permission and captures also your usual desktop;
• Creating an accurate copy of an existing virtual machine;
• The ability to drag folders, labels and other objects inside the simulator;
• Unified file system - from the virtual machine you can access directories that are stored on the PC, and vice versa;
• Simultaneous work with several machines.

Also, a distinctive feature of the new VirtualBox 4 is a convenient virtualization management system and an intuitive work area of \u200b\u200bthe program. Also, in the new assembly is available to perform video capture from the screen of an additional OS.

VirtualBox supports USB media connected to a computer.

Disadvantages of the program:

• Slow out computer. Even if your PC has good technical characteristics, a sufficient place of operational and permanent memory, when using a virtual machine, a slower execution of all functions will be observed. If in the process of creating a VM, you highlighted it too much memory, the computer will hang hard or turn off;
• Insufficient number of video memory. If you need to achieve the most high-quality image, it will be difficult to do with VirtualBox. The program allows you to configure the parameters of using the video card only on the basic level.

How to install

To install the VirtualBox program, download the installer from the developer's official website - Oracle. The installation process is standard and does not require additional settings:

• Run the EXE file;
• Select the hard disk on which the root folder will be with the program;
• Wait until the installation is completed. If necessary, the user can view the statistics of the use of a hard disk during installation.

In the "Custom Setup" field, you have the ability to disable USB support, network services. This allows you to reduce the final application size.

Video instructions how to install two OS using VirtualBox

The program installation field can be searched for the creation of the first virtual machine. Click on the Create button in the upper left corner of the window. The VM Settings tab opens:

In the Configuration Wizard window, select the Virtual OS type (Windows, Linux, Debian, MacOS) and its version. Set the name for the created simulator and click on the Next button.

Then, the program will provide you with the ability to independently specify the size of the RAM, which will be highlighted for an additional OS. For users of newbies, we advise you to set a value that is specified in the "Recommended Size of the main memory".

The size of RAM for VM should be determined depending on the technical characteristics of your PC. If there are 4 GB of RAM on your computer, 512 MB-1 GB will be sufficient for normal operation of the simulator.

Next, the program will ask to select the OS image in the file system (which corresponds to the previously specified family and version). After completing the setting, a window will appear with a brief listing of all parameters. Click on "Finish".

After the installation of the virtual Windows is completed, an icon for starting an OS appears in the VirtualBox main window. Click on it and wait for the desktop boot. If necessary, install the drivers.

To automatically update the drivers, open the "Devices" tab on the Virtual Machine Toolbar. Then click on the desired media type and in the new window follow the instructions for the new software.

Ready. Now you can start working with a virtual operating system. To exit the program, first turn off the OS, and then close the VirtualBox.

Vmware.

VMWare Workstation is the best virtual machine for Windows 10. The developer positions the program as a convenient platform for creating. Compared to other popular analogues, VMware supports more functions for custom-configuration of the virtual machine and allows you to synchronize the simulator with software development tools.

This virtualization environment is popular among programmers, web designers and other specialists who often have to test the work of their projects on cross-platform.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of VMware can be allocated:

• Convenient toolbar;
• Synchronization with Microsoft development tools, in particular platform.NET and Visual Studio software;
• Safety system. Built-in VMware tools provide a high level of protection of your files in an additional OS. The simulator can identify malicious activity to eliminate them;
• Work of encryption services for created virtual machines.

Disadvantages of the application:

• Paid distribution. The user can download the free trial version of the utility, but to get the full version of the application with all available features, you will need to pay for an annual or monthly subscription;
• Not suitable for newbies. If you used to use the simulators of operating systems, we recommend starting work with simpler options. For example, VirtualBox and standard for windows Hyper V. vmware will suit advanced users who prefer to perform system settings manually.

How to install

You can download the Virtual Machine for Windows from the official website of the developer VMware.com.

In the process of installing the program, it is recommended to turn off the Windows Defender or another running antivirus. This is only necessary for the correct installation of all files and encryption algorithms that the program for virtual machines applies. There will be no harm for your main OS, since the product downloaded from the official source.

Overview of the functionality and the first setup of the program

To create the first virtual machine in VMWare, you will need to download to the computer distribution OS that you want to use in the emulator. Then open the installed application window and click on the "Create a New Virtual Machine" field.

Note! The user can create a group of virtual machines, instead of several simulators. This allows you to reduce the resource of the RAM consumed and speed up the operation of the computer and the OS simulator.

In the Wizard wizard window, specify the path to the operating system image (this may be the file in the computer's memory or boot disk). Also, it is possible to configure the virtual machine without installing the OS (it can be installed later).

• In the window that appears, specify the name of the OS, the username and password of access to the account;
• Specify, on which disk your computer will be stored a virtual machine;
• Select the number of RAM to work the VM;
• Configure equipment (automatically or manually).

After completing the configuration of the virtual machine, wait until the OS image is set and start working:

Microsoft Virtual PC.

Microsoft Virtual PC is another popular virtual machine emulator. The program is well compatible with all versions of OS Windows. If you use Microsoft Product as the main OS, we advise you to select Microsoft Virtual PC.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of the emulator:

• Excellent compatibility with all versions of Windows Wedow. In most cases, the user does not need to install any additional drivers for the virtual OS. All of them are synchronized with the main system;
• Sharing file system. Get access to files that are stored on a PC rigid disk through the VM window;
• Windows support with a bit of 64 bits in the operation modes "Guest host" and "Guest Wednesday";
• Support hardware virtualization.

Disadvantages:

• There are paid functions. The program applies free of charge, but for supporting the setting of a group of virtual OS will have to buy a subscription;
• There is no support for Linux-like systems.

Overview of the functionality and the first setup of the program

To install a virtual os, you first download its image into the computer's memory, and then open the Microsoft Virtual PC application. Click on the "Create Virtual Machine" button and configure the following parameters in a new window:

• Set the name of the new OS;
• Highlight the place for its hard disk and the size of the RAM;
• Choose which devices will support VM (network environment, flash drives and so on).

Outcome

We told you about the best virtual machines for Windows, but not about everyone. If you think this is not the best - write in the comments! Help the novice readers to decide which emulator to start.

What is your look?

I will not invent a bicycle and retell others. Better I offer you to read the article from Linux Format magazine. In which experts made a comparative review of five popular virtual machines in the hope of finding the same .., the best virtual machine. By the way, those who have renounced and could run away from the captivity of Windows very recommended to subscribe to the magazine.

• What is a virtual machine
• Why do you need a virtual machine
• How we tested virtual machines
• Performance
• Functionality
• Compatibility and snapshot
• Integration with desktop
• Graphic acceleration
• Verdict

What is a virtual machine

If a simple language, without a bore, then the virtual machine is the operating system in the operating system.

Why do I need a virtual machine

In our case, the virtual machine is primarily a platform for verifying programs. Among which, as you understand, can be. Another virtual machine is used hackers to test their own and alien Trojans, and other miracle files. What group would not belong to you, you will still be interested to know more about virtual machines and their work.

How we tested virtual machines

At first we took a downtown computer (due to budget constraints) with fresh Arc Linux. In addition to proprietary VMWare (version 7.1.0 РLAUEG and 30-day trial period Workstation 11), we used the official Arch packages that are very close to the releases of the developers. Each machine was 2 GB of system RAM and 128 MB of video memory (with 256 MB, if necessary).

We tested every candidate for different guest OS: Mint 17.1 and Kubuntu 15.04 Beta, as well as different versions of the non-Linux OS called Windows. To estimate the performance, we compiled the main MINT kernel, launched a comparative test JavaScript Sunspider and played different games from our Steam library. To test the real options, we launched them on a 8-nuclear machine with 16 GB of RAM and 4-GB NVIDIA GTX, but then we were forced to return it.

Virtualization technology fundamentally changed the computer landscape. We would disappear, stating that this is a new invention (early mainframes used it as media in providing resources), but a decade ago of the innovation of the CPU mean that you will achieve almost native productivity except with the X86 code. And now we manage to shove dozens of cars (easily copied and restored) into one case, and the operation of data centers has become much more efficient. You can imitate another architecture, say, ARM, which is convenient for developers of embedded systems.

It is also good for ordinary users: familiarity with the new OS is no longer obliged to be such a time spent by the exercise in constant fear to handle its system. Even if you just want to test a new program, it is much safer to do in a virtual machine instead of risking your current setting. Support for virtualization inside the kernel (via KVM) and the qmu emulator means that Linux users have no need to resort to proprietary tools.

In the old days of VirtualBox from Sun (once belonging to Innotek, and now Oracle) was the only real option. But times have changed, so let's consider other virtualization applications.

And VMware, and VirtualBox use modules dependent on the kernel that are loaded to create their wonders. VMWare will need to compile them, for which you have to install the kernel heading packets and the entire compiler fill. Then you will receive an init script to download the specified modules, although it will be useless for users of the SystemD. If this is your case, you may want to create your own init file, instead of all the time to run this script as root (or see all the same error messages). At the time of writing the article of the 3.19 series, they demanded to patch the sources of VMware, but I hope, by the time of the log exit this will be fixed. VirtualBox packages in most distributions are available, and if you have a standard kernel, you can no longer worry about anything.

Virt-Manager requires that the LIBVIRTD service is launched to run on your system, what will be notified by the kind message, and if you use a full-featured desktop environment, it will make it for you; You will only have to enter the root password.

And VirtualBox, and VMware Workstation is quite simple, unless you do not think to be distracted by each option. But in VMware Player, options are not so much, and you very quickly set up and run your car. But if you are determined to use all these options at the maximum, guest additions will have to install.

Guest add-ons Linux for VirtualBox is much easier to install (CD will start automatically) than additional "Tools" for VMware, requiring copying programs from imaginary CDs, change permissions and then start the script. Surely in the yard of 1999? But, having done it all, you will be rewarded by improving graphics and a number of additional functions that we will discuss further.

The simplest to use from our collection is Boxes, even if it is due to the provision of only the bare minimum of QEMU / Libvirt functions. VMware Player and VirtualBox go the second, and next - their paid rival (nominally they are harder, due to more options). Virt-Manager is not particularly complicated in use, but it is enough of the QEMU settings labyrinth to stun the beginner. In addition, the mechanism for managing storage is rather confusing, especially if you are going to store your virtual disk in a non-standard place: then you first need to add the required directory as a "storage pool". However, all the necessary exotic modules will provide your own distribution, and in this case, why not risk.

Performance

Slow or prompt VM will they create for you?

Thanks to the extensions of the equipment and parataging technologies, it became possible to perform some tasks at a rate close to the speed of real equipment.

However, as it is, there is usually a certain drop in productivity. Almost any configuration on which we tested the guest desk, demonstrated some braking. But you get used to it, and you can turn off all sorts of beautifulness or enable the appropriate fault neutralization mode if it bothers you.

Here we do not take into account 3D performance - it would not be quite honest, and for it there is own category through the page. However, for everyday tasks with the use of Terminal, you are unlikely to notice a special difference between our candidates. Experiments with the compilation of the core showed that VirtualBox is solidly lagging behind in the competition. The JavaScript Sunspider comparative test confirmed this conclusion: both tasks were performed by 20% slower than that of the rest. Input / output (I / O) of a disc (especially if the disk you have SSD) and network traffic has the speed of all our candidates. Ultimately, VMware has provided its own advantage thanks to supporting new Intel processors.

Functionality

What is able to offer each candidate?

All our candidates are intended for different use scenarios, and therefore everyone has their own, individual advantages. Of course, the presence of some standard functions is certainly implied: such, for example, it is customary to choose the ability to create snapshots, support for Intel VT-X and AMD-V processor extensions and a flexible setting of virtual equipment. All this is offered by everyone, however, some applications are capable of more heroic exploits.

Here it is necessary to make a reservation that GNOME Boxes and Virt-Manager are only by the interfaces to QEMU (through the level of Libvirt abstraction). And QEMU is essentially an emulator of a processor, which is capable of providing virtualization through KVM, but nevertheless represents a whole world.

So, we will consider our candidates separately.

GNOME BOXES ★★

When calling from the QEMU command line, it maintains a lot of options, most of which in GNOME Boxes are missing: its goal (realized) is the simplicity and understandability of the appearance and work. Through its user-friendly wizard interface, you can configure the virtual machine literally three clicks - direct it only to the corresponding ISO. Boxes abstracts the difference between the virtual and remote machine, and you can connect to both and on the other through the VNC protocols, SPICE (which allows audio to work via the network) or OVIRT.

Gnome Boxes.

Boxes does not offer special control capabilities of your virtual machine through the network, but at least provides all NAT witchcraft necessary to ensure the communication of your virtual machine with the world. The remaining candidates are successfully customized by NAT, network bridges or Host-Only networks, and all this in certain circumstances is very convenient.

VIRT-MANAGER ★★★★

Virt-Manager (he also Virtual Machine Manager) offers significantly more QEMU functions (but again not all). He seemed to move with his list of supported operating systems X86, in particular, from the Linux family.

Virt-Manager.

If you leave it aside, the Virt-Manager relatively easily allows you to configure the machine of any complexity - you can add any equipment, including multiple network interfaces. In addition to the VM KVM, the Virt-Man-Ager can use QEMU / LIBVIRT support for Xen guests and LXC containers. Optionally, it can also poll guest resources and, thus, provide very cute graphics (such as those in the performance section on page 25, for what takes about 30 seconds after the Windows 10 launch). In addition, Virt-Manager uses new USB 3.0 support added to QEMU.

Compatibility and snapshot

Is it possible to move virtual machines between real?

Sometimes it is necessary to move VM between hypervisors. All our programs can import machines stored in Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) format, which is simply a Tar archive with the VMDK disk image (VMware), and virtual equipment data. VirtualBox allows exports to this format, but also has its own - Virtual Disk Image (VDI), and also copes with all the others.

The qmu-img command can be used to convert formats. We particularly note his favorite QCOW2 format, which allows you to store numerous snapshots of the system inside, using excellent reception of Copy On Write (COW).

Boxes, Virt-Manager, VirtualBox and VMware Workstation support snapshots of the system, while maintaining different states of your VM. VMware Player allows you to have only one snapshot for each machine in addition to its current state. So deep regression testing is excluded.

VirtualBox and VMware Workstation can also "clone" VM, and this is an effective method for creating snapshots of the system: data is written to the appropriate clone only if its condition differs from the state of the parent. VMware allows you to mount the guest image VMDK to the host, which is also convenient, although the same trick can be done by converting to the RAW disk image and using standard Linux tools and arithmetic to calculate the sections offset.

VirtualBox ★★★★

Being initially the desktop virtualization client, VirtualBox is still probably the main tool for many. This program has a clear structure that simplifies the configuration of the virtual machine, and many useful options. In addition to limiting the number of CPU cores, which guests have access to, VirtualBox allows you to specify the limit level of using the CPU to the guest in percent. VirtualBox also supports video recording, so in the evening you can burn Windows Guide for your YouTube channel.

VirtualBox.

It can import any virtual disks, but only offers USB 2.0 host controller support, and even then only if you install the Oracle extension proprietary package. Options with distributed access buffer and drag-and-drop (in one or in both directions, as you wish) are very convenient. VirtualBox has convenient indicators for network and disk I / O and to use CPUs.

By the way, in the article "" we described in detail how to install and properly configure VirtualBox virtual machine.

VMware Player ★★★

The free shipment from VMware has passed a long way since its appearance in 2008. The most remarkable thing is that this is not a player: it is more than capable of creating a high-quality virtual machine for you.

VMware Player.

In addition to supporting a number of network configurations (NAT, BridgeD, Host-Only, etc.), it offers very pretty network traffic formation options, which is very convenient if you are testing the latest version, say, DDOS client or see how much malicious programs can Hit Windows XP to your virtual machine until it burst. VMware also supports USB 3.0 devices, and the installation of guest tools will allow you to use brilliant graphics, clipboard with distributed access and directory with distributed access. Player is somewhat inferior when it comes to snapshots (it allows you to make only one), but we criticized it in the previous section.

VMWare Workstation ★★★★★

There is a non-free version of VMware Player (VMware Player Pro), but we decided that for this comparison it will be more appropriate to take a more high-quality workstation instead. This application provides many additional features for developers, including the possibility of grouping virtual machines in a kind of virtual phalanx, so that you can be able to get into operation at the same time.

VMware Workstation also offers support for new commands of modern Intel processors, and also allows you to customize machines with virtual CPUs, in an amount up to 16 and 64 GB of RAM. However, the Workstation program is largely aimed at integrating with the rest (rather sweaty) VMware package, and therefore it will look more appropriate to others in the enterprise environment.

Integration with desktop

Will they conflict with your color scheme?

Some users love the ideal harmony of the interfaces of virtual machines and their corresponding hypervisors with the host desktop, and others only confuse.

VirtualBox uses QT4, which is especially infuriated on the work table of Arch Linux based on Qt, where Qt5 is used everywhere, but it is only something like a niche disadvantage. Boxes is perfectly combined with GNOME 3, which should be expected; Virt-Manager and VMware use GTK3 and also perfectly combined with it.

All our candidates allow you to switch the virtual machine into a full screen mode, and fortunately, they all allowed us to return to the appropriate key combination.

Especially allocated Unity modes in VMware (no, it is not a way to do everything ubuntovoid) and seamless in Virtual-Box - both display the application windows directly from the guest on the host desktop. It is very good for Linux-VM (eliminating the potential confusion between the guest and host windows), but the attempt to run
Preview is not too successful; Windows 7 with the AERO interface enabled is also not the most pleasant experience.

All our candidates support the launch of the guest in full screen mode, and they can be configured to change the resolution when the window is resized. To exit this script, suitable hotkeys are provided. The possibility of DRAG-AND-DROP on VMware machines is very convenient, so VMware and wins in this category.

Graphic acceleration

Is it possible to avoid problems of program rendering?

Any of our candidates would be great for you if you wanted to just install a virtual machine, not going to do anything with the intensive participation of graphics.

But if 3D acceleration is required, you need to take VMware or VirtualBox. Once you can cope with the installation of guest additions (including the VirtualBox question, with a double denial, which is trying to wind up you from its experimental WDDM support, you need, for example, for Windows 7 Aero interface), you will be able to enjoy 3D acceleration in VirtualBox and In two clients vmware.

Boom boom, Maxwell's silver hammer dropped on, u-uh, hive. He died shortly after this screenshot was taken in Don't Starve.

VirtualBox allows you to highlight a virtual video card up to 256 MB of system RAM, and VMWare is up to 2 GB. Please note that these gigabytes are not taken from your real video card, so you often will not see special improvements over 256 MB. VirtualBox also provides 2D acceleration for guest Windows, which should help speeding up the rendering of video, increasing the screen and correction of color, although it depends on the host configuration - on a quick car, this setting will not particularly affect. The Windows Virtual Machine is likely to start Battlefield 4 [Battlefield] or Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor [Mediterranean: Shadow of Mordor] (It turns out, we are very lucky that they are ported in Linux) when everything is brought to 11, but more Old or less demanding games will go excellent: we threatened a good time to the popular indie game DON'T STARVE [do not worship], it is forgotten about our comparison.

On VMware, everything worked better than on VirtualBox, but perhaps the case was here in a more winning configuration - on Arch Linux we used the latest proprietary driver NVIDIA, which could determine the advantage of one over the other.

Verdict

Virtualization is the topic for comparison is long and complex. Wanting to run 3D games, you will not even take a look at the Gnome Boxes or Virt-Manager, and if you just do not achieve the VirtualBox of the best results than we, you choose your VMware hypervisor. But again, this technology is by no means so mature, as working in the family format DirectX 11. Perhaps with the games you are even more lucky in Wine [Ed.: - Or Not.] For any experimental productivity plexus. We are actually not delighted with VMware licenses, especially from the one that makes you pay after a 30-day trial period, but for some functions of the enterprise level in Workstation will be a true blessing. In particular, if using VCenter Converter from VMWare, you virtualize the machine with one click - ideal if you want to test something new on your current system.

We did not cover the mass of command line tools that go with all our candidates, but they are, along with more than abundant documentation. You can apply them in your scripts when you get into all grave virtualization by putting forward a whole risk of virtual machines from a secure command line environment. Perhaps hackers will prefer to work with QEMU directly, and seeking a simple free open source solution. Happiness will be Gnome Boxes.

Bubbles look good, if not to see the effort spent on their rendering.

But only one (draw - a rare exception) comes to the winners, and this time it is a Virt-Manager - well, we could not let you win Vmware. Virt-Manager allows you to rack most of the relics of qmu without resorting to the lengthy spells from the command line. Virtual machines can be paused, reconfigure, move and clone - and all this without much trouble. The only thing he is missing is to support the graphic acceleration, but it may be possible, it will appear. VMware Player and Gnome Boxes share the second place, as they both scored high points for their simplicity, and we like the Boxes icon, which shows the veseryactor (or hypercube, or a cube in Cuba - as you are pleased).

VIRT-MANAGER ★★★★
Everyone would work so well to work.

VirtualBox ★★
The only solution is once, and now on the sidelines.

VMware Player ★★★
Fast and comfortable, yes, the license failed.

VMWare Workstation ★★
Fast and full-featured, but not free.

Boxes ★★★
The simplest way to install and configure VM.

Each PC user sometimes wishes to try in the work any other operating system, but it is not solved to install it on its own computer. Indeed, the installation of an unfamiliar OS is a very risky action. One incorrect command can be lost all data on the disk. But today there is a way to try on one computer at once several operating systems, and, if you wish, even at the same time! This method is called a virtual machine or a virtual computer. Consider three best programs that allow you to use virtualization technology at home.

General information about virtual machines

There are many virtualization systems today in common. In particular, each virtual machine recognizes CD drive, as well as a floppy drive. In addition, it is possible to work with virtual drives and disk images. It is very useful to manually set the number of RAM for each of the virtual machines, a list of connected devices, etc. Such flexible settings allow you to comfortably use the guest system. A very convenient feature is the ability to suspend the work of the virtual machine at any time. This allows you to free the necessary hardware resources for the host system.

All differences between existing virtual machines, in fact, are reduced only to the list of operating systems supported by them, as well as cost. VirtualBox, Windows Virtual PC and VMware are most common today. What do they differ?

Oracle VirtualBox - Universal, Free Virtual Machine

VirtualBox. - Very simple, powerful and free virtualization tool developing thanks to the support of the famous Oracle Corporation. Allows you to establish as a "guest" almost any modern operating system, whether Windows, MacOS or any of the many representatives of the Linux family.

Creating virtual machines in VirtualBox is performed using a step-by-step wizard. Any, more or less experienced PC respite will be able to understand her work. The system supports work with networks, so if you wish, you can give a virtual machine to the Internet.

VirtualBox allows you to create "snapshots" of the operating system. With their help, you can create "recovery points" to which at any time you can "roll back" the guest system in case of errors or failures.

Windows Virtual PC - MICROSOFT Virtual Machine

Windows Virtual PCwindows Virtual PC screen is a virtual machine for operation only and exclusively with Windows. Installing Linux, MacOS and other operating expatients is not supported.

Virtual PC allows you to run several different copies of Windows on one computer. In this case, you can ask them priority so that in automatic mode to allocate for the needs of one or another virtual machine more resources slowing down the work of the rest.

The monoplatform of the Virtual PC virtual machine is its main disadvantage. However, if you want to test only Windows running programs, this is not relevant. Some disadvantage can be considered less functional and less convenient than in the VirtualBox interface. The rest of the Virtual PC is quite a reliable tool that allows you to create virtual machines with Microsoft Windows operating systems.

VMWare Workstation - for serious tasks

VMwarevmWare Workstation Virtualization Screen is a powerful, paid, maximum reliable virtualization program that supports Windows and Linux. To virtualize MacOS, this machine is not intended.

Due to the high reliability and the widest functionality of VMware Workstation is often used not only for testing, but also for the permanent operation of virtual machines as servers, be it a firewall separating the organization's network from the Internet or even a server of a database.

VMware Workstation can be very flexible to customize, including many equipment parameters and network connection options for working with the Internet. This system is better than one can play graphic applications on virtual machines, as it has a special virtual 3D accelerator to obtain high quality graphics.

The VMware Workstation interface is correctly organized, so it is quite easy to get comfortable with all its rich functionality. The program fully supports Russian.

It should be noted that the VMware Workstation has a free "younger brother" - VMware Player. The player does not know how to create virtual machines, but allows you to run previously created in VMware Workstation. This program will be useful in testing cases when, for example, the developer of any automated system transmits it to familiarize in the form of an image of a virtual machine. This practice is becoming increasingly distributed because it eliminates the user from the need to deploy an unfamiliar program on its own.

Summary

If you want to just test A program or a new operating system, the best choice will be a free virtual machine - Oracle Virtual Box. It supports any modern OS and is flexibly configured.

VirtualBox is focused on topical versions of operating systems, therefore, if you need to ensure the work of any program written for one of old versions of Windows, the ideal choice will be Windows Virtual PC - it most reliably implements the subtleties of any versions of Windows on the most modern equipment.

If you want to deploy serious virtual solutionrequiring stable, long-term work, you should select VMware Workstation. Although this is a paid system, but it guarantees reliability of work for responsible tasks.

At times there is a need to use multiple operating systems on one computer. Difficulties here are usually predictable. First, it is a mandatory PC restart to launch a new OS, and secondly, if we are dealing with various families, such as Windows and Unix, each of the OS will require at least one partition on the hard disk. In addition, due to the different file system format, access from one OS to the other files is difficult. These and other problems can be solved using the "Virtual Machine". In essence, it represents the usual program, the emulating operation of the main components of the PC, from the processor and video card to the drive. As a result, we can run several OS at the same time and easily switch between them. The main disadvantage of this approach is a relatively low performance of emulated systems.

SUN VIRTUALBOX 2.0.6.

Freeware (for home use)

Developer Sun Microsystems.

The size 33 MB

Verdict

Rich functionality; large list of supported systems; A number of unique capabilities

Some instability in work

VirtualBox is the software product of the German company Innotek. This is a relatively young platform, the first public release released in January 2007 among supported guest systems - Windows, Linux, OS / 2 Warp, OpenBSD and FreeBSD. In February 2008, Innotek was purchased by Sun Micro-Systems, and further development is carried out with its participation. The VirtualBox spread model has not changed.

In addition to the standard and necessary device, the operating system of devices (processor, video adapter, hard disk), the program also emulates the audio controller and the network adapter. The latter appears as an AMD PCnet interface. In addition, it should be noted that by default the video card is emulated as a standard VESA adapter with 8 MB of video memory and a resolution of 800 × 600; If this is not enough, you can use the Guest VM Additions to increase the performance of the virtual video receptionator and dynamically change the window size. Guest VM Additions - supplied with the program kit to optimize speed and facilitate interaction between the guest and host OS. Among other things, the USB controllers are also emulated in VirtualBox, while the devices connected to the USB connectors in the host system are automatically picked up in the guest.

One of the key features is support for RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), which allows VirtualBox to act as a RDP server and manage any client working with this protocol. Note that before the release of the VMware Workstation 6 platform, this feature was only in VirtualBox. Also implemented function USB OVER RDP. (If a virtual machine acts as a RDP server, the USB devices will be visible in the client).

The second key feature is the ISCSI Initiator component. It allows you to use external devices via ISCSI protocol as virtual disks in the guest system without additional support from its part.

The process of creating a virtual machine is extremely simple: you must select the type of operating system and set the amount of RAM and hard disk. The latter can be both fixed size and dynamically changeable as filling. After installing the guest system, it is recommended to establish the already mentioned Guest VM Additions - they will greatly facilitate the work in the future.

VirtualBox supports network interaction between virtual machines, while the user is free to choose one of three types. The first is NAT, in this case, the virtual machine is hidden behind the NAT-server of the host and can initiate connections to an external network to it, but it is impossible to connect from the external network with such a virtual machine. The second type, Host Interface Networking, allows the guest system to use the resources of the physical network adapter, while the guest machine itself becomes available from the external network as an ordinary independent computer. And finally, the third type - Internal Networking - can be used when there is no need for exit to the external network; In this case, the virtual network will be built within the host. If the user needs only to establish file sharing between the guest system and the host, it is better to apply the function Shared Folders.which allows you to create shared folders available in any of the systems.

Those who use virtual machines for testing various software will appreciate the support of the drove of the stored virtual machine states (the so-called snapshots) to which rollback can be made from any state of the guest system in the event of an unexpected situation or the need to restart it from scratch.

For developers, Innotek provides excellent Software Development Kit, and since the platform code is open, additional efforts for writing extensions to the system is not required. In addition to Windows, the stable versions of VirtualBox also exist for Linux and Mac OS. In addition, there is currently much work on porting the product to other host platforms, and developers are provided with all the necessary tools and interfaces for VirtualBox modification.

Summing up all of the above, it is confidently called VirtualBox the best of free programs in your area and a serious competitor for paid analogues.

VMWare Workstation 6.5.

VMWare Workstation 6.5.

Shareware, $ 189

Developer Vmware.

The size 500 MB

Verdict

The greatest functionality among all programs

High price; Huge distribution size

VMware Workstation is perhaps the most famous product for creating virtual machines, and VMware today is one of the leaders in the production of virtualization systems. The list of compatible guest OS is simply huge - there is everything, ranging from Solaris and Novell NetWare and ending with Linux, FreeBSD and Windows Vista X64 Edition. The platform perfectly emulates all the necessary systems of the computer. The number of supported devices cannot but rejoice - the VMware Workstation is capable of working with CD / DVD drives, drives, smart card readers, can be installed disk images. In addition, all external devices connected via Com-, LPT or USB ports (truth, to configure Support USB 2.0, will be available in the guest system. There is a complete integration with ACE (Assured Computing Environment - the ability to run another copy of Windows, intended for sharing) and the so-called Unity Mode - executing virtualized applications on the desktop host machine. As for the traditionally weak place - a video sealer, that starting with the current version, it supports the hardware acceleration of three-dimensional graphics. True, with a small reservation - while this feature is available only when using Windows XP as a guest operating system. Also at this time, only DirectX 9.0 and Shader Model 2.0 is supported. Even among the latest innovations, it is worth noting the possibility of streaming a virtual machine, for example, when loading an image from the Internet.

Data exchange can be organized through a virtual local network or using a DRAG-N-DROP from a virtual system in the direction of the host. In the case of a local network there are three standard options: the first using NAT (Network Address Translation), the second is directly to the existing network, and the third is a virtual network within the host. Of course, not forgotten and the ability to create common folders.

For testing software in VMware Workstation, a mechanism for creating instant pictures (snapshots) of the operating system and discs, which subsequently can be used to roll back to one of the previous states. There is also support for trees such shots, which is incredibly convenient when configuring a system with various superstructures (for example, by different versions of the Internet Explorer browser). In addition, the new version has significantly improved debugging tools that allow real-time to record all the operation of the machine, including the activity of applications, processor and other hardware, as well as play saved data.

Complete with the program comes another truly indispensable utility - P2V Assistant, which literally a couple of clicks to convert the physical system into virtual.

It is worth noting that it is WMWare who demonstrated the highest speed, although the download speed leaves much to be desired. Another disadvantage of the program is its price. True, there is a free version - VMware Player, which allows you to start previously saved virtual systems, but not able to create them.

Microsoft Virtual PC 2007

Freeware.
Developer Microsoft.
Website microsoft.com/windows/downloads/virtualpc/default.mspx

Microsoft Virtual PC could be a worthy competitor to the programs presented in the review, if it were not for one "but" - support as guest systems only relating to the Windows family, which significantly limits the scope of this emulator. If you wish, you can install an unsupported OS by selecting an item when installing OtherHowever, the correct work is not guaranteed in this case. Like all the program reviewed in the review, Virtual PC contains a set of applications designed to facilitate the life of the user. In this case, it is Virtual Machine Additions - their installation will not increase the performance of the guest system, but will make the following useful and convenient features available:

• the ability to drag using the DRAG-N-DROP files and folders from the host system to the guest and back;
• when the sizes of the window with the guest system, the resolution inside it will automatically be driven under the new size;
• superior virtual video adapter driver will allow you to install arbitrary resolution and color depth;
• the mouse focus will be automatically transmitted to the guest system when the cursor gets into the console windows and return to the host upon exit from this zone. It will save from the need to press the right Alt. In order to transfer the focus to the guest system, and will allow you to work with the guest system console window as with a regular application;
• to exchange files with a host operating system, you can use shared folders (Shared Folders);
• the clipboard for guest and host systems will also become common, which will make it possible to simplify the interaction of the host applications and the guest system;
• synchronization of time between host and guest systems will appear.

Given the full free product, it can be safely recommended for home use.

Parallels Workstation 2.2.

Parallels Workstation 2.2.

Shareware, $ 50

Developer Parallels.

The size 21 MB

Verdict

Large list of supported systems; Work with Intel-VT and AMD-V

By functionality is inferior to the analogues

Parallels is another fairly large player in the virtualization program market. Its Parallels Workstation offers almost all the functions necessary for work. First of all, this platform virtualizes a full-fledged set of standard computer equipment, such as a processor corresponding to the real, motherboard based on Intel i815 chipset, RAM up to 1.5 GB, VGA and SVGA video card with VESA 3.0 support. In addition, a disk drive is supported for 1.44 MB diskettes with the ability to connect a real device or an image of a diskette and two IDE controllers with a connection or virtual HDD (from 20 MB to 128 GB each), or CD / DVD-ROM (in direct access mode A real computer drive can be used directly). Everything else, there is support for various peripheral equipment (printers, scanners, as well as various PDAs based on Windows Mobile 2005 and cameras).

Compatible Guest Systems: All Microsoft Windows Family, starting with version 3.1 and ending Vista, various builds Linux, FreeBSD, Syllable, Solaris, OS / 2 and MS-DOS.

Installation and configuration of the program do not constitute work. To facilitate life, the user has a set of Parallels Tools applications that optimizes the interaction of the guest OS with a host, for example, improves the operation with the mouse, video mode, the interoperability of the exchange buffers (you can synchronize the CLIPBOr of the guest and host operating systems, which simplifies data transfer). In addition, the machines created are easy to combine into a virtual local network or add to the already existing one, however, it is not possible to connect to the use of NAT for an incomprehensible reason. There is also the ability to configure general folders for sharing information. If you wish in Parallels Workstation, you can create accurate copies of virtual machines (cloning them), plus the new version of the program works with both hardware virtualization technologies - Intel-VT and AMD-V. Support for USB and sound has also been added to it. Another interesting property that appeared in the new version is the ability to stop the operation of the guest system without its unloading. In this case, the resources allocated for the guest system are returned to the host system, and the re-launch of the guest Linux or FreeBSD will not take much time.

If necessary, you can connect the second monitor or work with the Wi-Fi network (though Wi-Fi is available for some reason only when using the Linux system as a host).

In general, Parallels Workstation may be a good alternative to VMware Workstation, given its price and stability in work, however, according to functionality, it is still inferior to free VirtualBox.

As we tested

For comparative testing of virtual machines, several basic parameters were selected. First, this is the number of supported operating systems and architectures (both guest and host), while they took into account both official and unofficial support. Secondly - speed, and both the speed of the guest system and the host with the running virtual machine are taken into account. Finally, the third defining parameter is support for various equipment and additional features.

In the first category by the leaders were VMware and VirtualBox. They both support Intel X86 and AMD64 architectures as a host, but VirtualBox does not allow the use of 64-bit systems as guests, but at the same time knows how to work with Intel VT and AMD-V technologies (enabled in the settings). The Parallels Worksta-Tion has no support for 64-bit systems as a host, however, like VirtualBox, it is compatible with Intel VT and AMD-V technologies. The largest list of officially supported guest systems in free VirtualBox, unofficially all three programs support any OS.

Three identical virtual systems based on Windows XP SP2 were created for performance testing. The speed was measured using the PCMark05 program, which started on the guest and host systems at the same time. Settings for all programs were left by default. Best of all showed VMware, behind it VirtualBox, the last place was taken by Parallels Workstation, which, however, the least loaded the system during operation. But it is worth noting that the difference between these three programs is minimal, and in all cases the performance of the guest system is close to such a host.

In the last, third category, VMware won with a large margin, literally stuffed with all sorts of additional features, ranging from copying the finished system and ending with the support of the video receptionator. Apparently, it is for this reason that its installation package is several times more than that of competitors.

A huge number of programs that appear every day make downloading and installing unknown software on a computer are increasingly dangerous for the system and important files on the computer. In addition, many programs that have the necessary programmers, artists and other users of the PC function, are available only for a small number of operating systems. If earlier I had to risk a strongly, downloading a suspicious file from the Internet, or to reinstall the system only for one desired program, now there is such an OS as a virtual machine.

What is a virtual machine

Virtual machine - A special program that is installed on the native operating system of the user and when starting it starts to emulate, that is, to play, the functions of any other operating system specified in the settings. The main convenience of such programs is the lack of need to switch between the OS and access to all functions of the system being reproduced. In addition, all actions performed inside the virtual machine will not affect the operation of the main system, which prevents possible computer failures.

At the moment, virtual machine developers have created programs that allow you to emulate any operating systems starting from early versions of Windows and ending Ubuntu, OS X and less well-known axes, also work with already ready-made servers, for example, bitrix Virtual Machine.

There is another, narrower, understanding of the term "virtual machine", which is distributed in the musicians - virtual Drum Machinewhich reproduces the sounds of the shock installation. Such a program allows you to record the batches of shock tools without the use of a live installation, and in special recording programs or "reviving" a predetermined MIDI track, putting the recorded samples of each shock under the electronic sound.

What a virtual machine is needed

The range of action that can be performed using a virtual machine is actually very large.

The simplest thing you can do with it is to use programs that are not available for the user operating system or even for PCs in principle. For example, the Emulator of the Android operating system is essentially a virtual machine, with which people run applications or games.

In addition, virtual machines are often used by programmers for tests written programs. For example, to verify how correctly the written algorithm works in different versions of Windows. The same applies to application developers for iOS and Android, which check the performance of developments precisely inside emulators. For this, there is a virtual machine on the flash drive to always be able to check the functionality of the written code.

For such checks, the machines are used and less advanced users. The fact is that when emulating related operating systems, the machine can play all the information that is contained on the computer. Therefore, if the user has to download a file from the Internet that can contain viruses, then you should first check it on the virtual machine. If it is normally reproduced on it, you can safely open it on the native OS.

In addition, they help in corporate work, let's say, Bitrix virtual machines.

If we talk about virtual drum machines, then they are used to in the conditions of lack of funds, such as renting a studio, high quality record permafront. Of all the tools, the most sensitive to the record is the drums, and it is on them to spend the most time. In addition, the drummer may not have a sufficient skill for playing them smoothly, which significantly increases the amount of money for rent. In this situation, the best way out of the position will be a party entry in the program and its further reproduction.

What are the virtual machines

Virtual machine for Windows 10

Especially for advanced users familiar with the concept of "virtual machine", Microsoft made built-in emulation of other operating systems -. Initially, its functionality is blocked, but its components are easy to turn on through the control panel.

Go to the control panel and go to subsection " Programs and components" There in the window " Enable and disable components»Tick Name the name of the Hyper-V service. After that, an installation of a virtual machine on a PC will occur, and in the future it can be started through the menu " Start».

The main advantages of Hyper-V:

• built into the system, you do not need to download anything and search;
• has a full functionality to emulate different versions of Windows, for example, 98 and other operating systems;
• supports Windows versions of different discharges;
• a simple and understandable interface.

In general, due to the presence on Windows 10 Hyper-V, users disappear in other similar programs. Although the utility does not require special skills in the setting, you can read more about it in an adjacent article.

Virtual machine for Windows 7

The most popular virtual machine for Windows 7 users is Windows Virtual PC.. Initially, its main functionality was intended to emulate Windows XP so that the developers can comfortably transfer programs developed by this OS, to a new seven, which at that time only went out. In the future, it has been expanded, and now Virtual PC is a separate platform that is capable of playing almost all existing operating systems.

Like Hyper-V, this service is built into the system initially. In order to establish it, you need to go to " Start"And the submenu" Programs" There you have to find a line with the name of the program, click on it. A window will open in which you can freely create, delete and produce other manipulations with the operating system emulator.

Virtual machines for Mac and other OS

In addition to the virtual machines built into the seventh and tenth Windows, third-party developers have created many other independent utilities that have about the same capabilities, but differ in detail. The most popular of them - Oracle VirtualBox.which will be discussed in this part of the article.

This virtual machine can emulate all current operating systems currently, as well as available for the most popular OS - Windows, OS X, Linux and Solaris. You can download it from the developer's website, after selecting, for which system you need it.

From the rest of its analogues, this Oracle program has a wide functionality, which includes the support of USB ports and launch them from an emulated machine, the ability to save the state of the system for its instant rollback in case a critical error occurred. In fact, from a huge list of all supported features, it can be concluded that, downloading Oracle VirtualBox, you can comfortably work for any operating system without any restrictions at all.

For most users, the VirtualBox utility is a very good choice due to its practicality, reliability and functionality.

After the distribution with the application is on your computer, double-click on it. This will launch the installation program. It will need to choose which functions, in addition to the Oracle machine itself, are installed with it. The list includes: the possibility of internal programming on Python, customized support for the Internet, as well as the integration of USB ports. After that, it is enough to follow the instructions of the installation file until the installation of Oracle VirtualBox is completed.

Virtual Drum Machines

Virtual drum machines are present in the form of additional plug-ins that are installed and run through the program for recording or writing music - FL Studio, Ableton, Cubase and others. Most Popular Dram Machine Emulators - EZ Drummer and ADDICTIVE DRUMS.. Free access to them is large sample libraries for every taste recorded by famous drummers.

Creating your virtual machine

In addition, there is also a company Vmware.which also offers users of the program to create their virtual machines. The most famous of them is called Workstation. and applies to a fee basis. However, there is a lot of resources that offer free use of this virtual machine, both for Windows and for Mac, and for Ubuntu. It is worth noting that the company offers a lot of additional utilities that expand the capabilities of the base program by adding the work desks, broadcast management functions, and much more. Consider why this virtual machine is needed.

Workstation allows you to create virtual machines that will be managed from the Unified Center. By large part, this tool is of interest to large companies that need to configure the same functionality of devices on a large number of computers.

One of the most important chips that VMware virtual machine has, the so-called vsphere.which allows not only to create and configure a virtual machine, but also to implement a whole infrastructure of such devices related to each other. And if you have to choose, then such a functionality is very useful to large companies whose employees need to share data and information.

The entire functionality of the VMware programs developed is not based on a single use of a virtual machine, but on the formation of a grid of them and a single place where this network is controlled.

Virtualization 1C-Bitrix

Another program created for comfortable work with 1C-Bitrix products - virtual machine Bitrix., this time from domestic developers, which can also work with any Php applications. In fact, this program provides an emulation of the site server that contains in itself all settings for comfortable work. The finished car can be opened in VMware Player. or other applications of this developer (also exist versions for VirtualBox and Hyperv).

The program allows you to save time and immediately proceed to work after the main platform is ready for use. At the same time, the Bitrix virtual machine is installed directly into the main emulation system, integrating into its functionality and work, which allows immediately after installation and start to start interacting with the 1C projects.

What virtual machine to choose

There is no clear comparison here. It all depends on the user and its needs. For the emulation of games and checking third-party software, the usual Hyper-V services and them are similar, embedded in the operating system itself. Well proven, reliable and free option is VirtualBox.For organizations, the best virtual machines are definitely products of VMware or the Bitrix virtual machine, since it simplifies business and interact with employees.

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