Microsoft Virtual PC is now available for free

[SuperSparks]

Get it here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/default.mspx

[x71s8zTN]

Runs only on XP Professional it says.

[SuperSparks]

I used it with no problems at all on Win2000 SP4 up until quite recently. And I'm not aware of any issues with running it on XP Home. I'm really not sure why they are saying it needs XP Pro.

[x71s8zTN]

Thank yuo Supr Sparks for this clarification. I would certainly like to run this software on XP/SP2 Home. I was merely quoting MS site:

"Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 Systems Requirements

Virtual PC 2004 SP1 runs on: Windows 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP Professional or later, and Windows XP Tablet PC Edition or later".

[Tuttle]

It's designed as an enterprise tool, so it's only supported on the Professional editions. However, there's a difference between "supported" (ie you can get help from Microsoft when it breaks) and "works". Virtual PC isn't supported on Windows Server, but it runs fine. I don't know for sure, but I assume it would be the same on XP Home.

[photolady]

Now that I've downloaded it, what can I do with it? I've pretty sure I understand what it does, but can you elaborate on what I do know.

It is used to let a person have more than one OS on their systems, but.....what else can you tell me about it?

[Tuttle]

Well, that's pretty much it. But oh what an "it".

Have a legacy app which refuses to run on a machine with 2 GB of RAM? Run it in a virtual machine.

Have a legacy app which only works on Windows 3.x/9x/NT4 or some other OS you don't want to run day-to-day? Run the old OS in a VM.

Want to see what Exchange 12 or Office 2007 is like without risking your main PC? Install it in a VM.

Want to learn Linux without the risk and complication of a dual-boot setup? VM.

The list goes on -- anything you don't want to do to your main PC, you can do to a VM instead. With undo disks (basically a checkpoint you can roll back to), you can even do a whole bunch of stuff just to see what happens.

Licensing is still an issue -- each virtual machine generally needs to be considered a separate PC. Trial software is a good way to deal with that though, and in my case I've got access to an MSDN subscription which includes a bunch of software for test and development purposes.

[SpywareDr]

Here's a great article by Fred Langa about Microsoft's Virtual PC

InformationWeek > Langa Letter: Virtual Excellence: Microsoft's 'Virtual PC' Is Too Good Not To Check Out
http://www.informationweek.com/story...cleID=18600449

[photolady]

Originally posted by Tuttle.....in my case I've got access to an MSDN subscription which includes a bunch of software for test and development purposes.

I know MVP has its privileges. Wish I did.....be a MVP is a fantasy of mine, but I'm not as Windows oriented as you guys are, so this fantasy probably will never happen for me. Oh well, life goes on.

Thanks for explanation Tuttle

And the link though I hate reading these types of links because the type is so small, thanks just the same, Dr spyware.

[liam858]

You could always pay for the MSDN stuff PL, i don't think it is cheap, but you sure do get a lot of software in the top packages. .....actually, i'm surprised you don't have MVP status by now.....


Liam

[SpywareDr]

Virtual PC allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single computer. Switching operating systems as easily as they switch applications — instantly, with a mouse click. As a migration tool, Virtual PC provides a cost-effective safety net for running critical legacy applications on an interim basis while you continue migrating to a new operating system. Virtual PC also helps companies more rapidly develop, test, support, and deploy applications.

[SuperSparks]

Maybe your firm could pay for an MSDN sub for you PL?

The other great thing about a virtual machine is it that it allows you to try out any software that you suspect may contain malware, or to visit suspect websites, without any risk to the main OS. The virtual machine is totally sandboxed from the main OS.

[photolady]

Well, Liam someone has to nominate me and that hasn't happened yet. And I knew I could pay for it, but like you said, it's not cheap. And I'm broke. LOL

Thanks for the extra summary SpywareDr.

[Vecchio Ricardo]

Could someone explain the difference between M$oft Virtual PC and VMware Player that I have just downloaded but not used yet?

[crunchie]

When I follow that link I am taken to the download for SP1. The only link I see for the full version is a 45 day trial. What's the secret?