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IT support departments often need to run multiple operating systems to check, for example, that what works under Windows XP will also work under Windows 2000. This can be done by swapping hard disk drives, using multiple partitions or, more conveniently, using Virtual PC.
Like vmware under Unix, Virtual PC emulates a PC in software, so you can run several operating systems at once from within a single Windows session. Connectix recommends Windows NT 4.0 (SP6 or later), ME or 2000 as the host operating system. This new version also supports XP.
Installation of Virtual PC takes a few minutes. After that you can set up a virtual machine, choosing the amount of Ram it will have access to, where to store the disk image and what to call it. The emulated PC has the same processor as the host, plus an emulated Intel motherboard and S3 graphics card.
If the host PC has a CDRom or floppy disk drive, these will be accessible too, as will any serial and parallel ports and sound card. Printing and networking are also supported.
When you launch a virtual machine for the first time, you'll be prompted for a boot disk, at which point you're ready to install your chosen operating system. To save time, Connectix has various operating system packs available as optional extras (from £54.99 ex. VAT), which include the product licence and the pre-configured/pre-installed operating system.
It's possible to run several virtual machines at once. The control panel shows you what each one is currently doing. You can switch to and from virtual machines at will and configure various hardware and software parameters.
Programs that make use of undocumented x86 features are unlikely to run under Virtual PC, but most software will work using guest operating systems like DOS, 16-bit/32-bit versions of Windows and some versions of Linux.
Price: £144.99 (ex. VAT)
Minimum requirements: Windows 98 SE, 2000, ME, NT 4.0, XP; Pentium II 266MHz; 128Mb Ram; 2Gb hard disk space.
Contact: Computers Unlimited 020 8200 8282
www.connectix.com
See also:
All File & Disk Management
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