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Virtual machines allow you to run one operating system "inside of" another. The major advantage to using this method is that it does not require the user to reboot when they want to change the operating system they are using . The disadvantage is that since you are running two operating systems simultaneously your computer's resources are split, there is also an extra piece of software to buy so it is more expensive as well. Below are links to two popular virtualization programs. An important thing to know about these programs is that they require a separate purchase of Windows in addition to your purchase of their software. Neither piece of software will work unless you have a license to install Windows.
Manually Partition and Install Multiple Operating Systems
For advanced users, you can boot to the recovery partition of your Mac, erase and repartion your drive, and install whatever operating systems you would like onto the partitions. As this is a procedure that should only be attempted by someone familiar with installing an OS and comfortable using a computer, we have only outlined the process here.
Crossover and Wine
Wine is a compatibility layer capable of running Windows software within a UNIX system, e.g. MacOS, Ubuntu, Fedora, and other Linux distributions. Wine is a free open source program that can be installed and run a large and ever growing amount of Windows software. It requires a good degree of technical knowledge but is 100% free.
Crossover is a commercial application of the Wine protocol designed to simplify the installation process of Wine. It runs like an application and in the event you need help offers support for a fee if you need help. Of the paid options, Crossover is the least expensive. Additionally they also offer versions specifically designed for use on Linux in the event you would like to run Windows programs on your Linux machine.
Wubi (Ubuntu on a Windows Computer)
Wubi is a program to install Ubuntu that doesn't require you to make any new partitions on your hard drive. It installs just like any other Windows program and can be uninstalled just as easily. When starting up your computer Wubi will give you the option to boot into Ubuntu and doesn't change any settings of your local Windows operating system.
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Wubi is a great place to start for Windows users who want to try out Ubuntu/Linux. |
Virtual Machines (VMware)
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Sources and Relevant Links |
Link to Ubunui Download
VMware Website Link
Install Linux from a USB drive
Link to DistroWatch
Linux Distributions
Live (bootable) Linux CDs
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