9 replies to this topic

[dadaji]

I am trying to decide if I should install Virtual PC or VmWare on my PC so that I can install the trial version of Server 2003 to practice and I have some questions.
Is VmWare free or do I have to pay for it? Virtual PC is a free download (i think) from MS website.
If VmWare is free, which one should I download, like, the server or workstation or something else.
Also I am running XP on my machine, just in case.

Please give some insights.

Thank you.

[crigby]

Hi,
Both can be obtained for free for single machines. There are others as well, like Xen, Zen, etc.
A site of interest may be the Microsoft/Novell Interop site at http://www.moreinterop.com/ and others exist from them also. Videos are available in the Resources area, and I saw a Webcast by Ziff-Davis recently about this collaboration that named a number of sites that are not linked at the above site. It can be had On-Demand as I was unable the attend live.
Peace,
Clarke

[aurelius2000]

Microsoft's Virtual Machine is free and i can say that i have not had issues with it.  I would reccomend that out of the choices stated.

[Laurence R]

Hi I would suggest Virtual PC, as I have used both in the passed and had some netwoking problems with VMware, however that may of been my particular PC.

[kleppy]

I've used VMWare many times. It too is free. The only issue I've seen is with setting the network adapters. It creates a virtual adapter on the host and the VM links with that. Unless it is misconfiguration.

I found it easiest to remove them completely as I don't need the network access, but don't let my ways scare you, it's harmless.

[Bradleman]

I also use VMWare (Virtualbox and VMServer). Once you get past the nic setup the machines work great. The controls web based, and not to hard to figure out, and the vm's can take a LOT of abuse without messing up your host system.

Bradley

[seenathkumar]

I will recommend you to use a licensed one. Your PC will be maintained well and their will be time to time upgradation.

[asmith0176]

I've had good luck with using VMware. I saw someone say that it creates it's own NIC adapters on you local system and this is true I haven't had any incompatablilties with them so I've just left them but it works good especially if you need to create a few servers and test the interaction between them.

[pcmepa]

VMware is for advanced virtualization needs. there are even certifications such as VCP (VMware certified professional). and it has lots of advanced network features. so Virtual PC is recommended for an average user as it's easy to use. I use VMware for practicals and also have Virtual PC to run XP Mode in Windows 7

Edited by pcmepa, 03 December 2010 - 07:23 AM.

[Insomnia]

Just an addendum to the text mentioned below.  I currently use Oracle's VirtualBox for my own VM work, largely due to it being free and offering a lot of customization.  It too creates virtual NICs on the host system.  I found that my VPN connections stopped working on one of my Windows 7 systems.

If you work with VPN or remote viewing software that hooks into NIC drivers, this could be an issue.  Virtual PC is nice, but I generally prefer to use more robust solutions (ie Hyper-V, VirtualBox, VMWare)

I've had good luck with using VMware. I saw someone say that it creates it's own NIC adapters on you local system and this is true I haven't had any incompatablilties with them so I've just left them but it works good especially if you need to create a few servers and test the interaction between them.