I've never done any virtualization, but I'd like to install XP under my Debian and play around with it (and maybe run a couple Windows-specific things). What software would I need to install? I have a copy of XP and a valid key. I'd prefer the software to be free as in speech and as in beer, but if it is not free as in speech I'll consider it.

Thanks!

You can try VMWare Server http://www.vmware.com/products/server/
VMWare server is now totally free. Though there is an annoying registration
process before they let you download it.

I require linux and windows XP at work. So I use Linux as my base OS
and then install VMWare Server. Then install Windows XP inside of VMWare Server.
It has been working great for over a year now.

I use Ubuntu (which is based off Debian), but there is no reason why it wouldn't work under debian.

Here is a guide. You can probably skip the first step.
http://www.howtoforge.com/debian_sar...e_server_howto

If you decide to do this, I would recommend intalling VMWare tools
after you get windows installed.

I'll second the recommendation of VMWare Server. I use it to run XP and a couple of different CentOS installs and it has run flawlessly.

VirtualBox does the job for me.

VMware Server is free as in beer and does a good job. VirtualBox is not available in Etch repositories, but you can still install it without problems. It's mostly free; they haven't GPL'd everything, so that e.g. for USB support you have to download the binary. Qemu is free as in speech, and also handles pretty fast using Kqemu accelerator. I've been using it for my virtualization and it has done its job quite well.

I also have good experiences with VMWare, although switching to and from full-screen Windows is a bit awkward. The link endfx is pointing to is very useful, but you should be aware that this HOWTO describes how to install VMware server on one host and the client on another host. It took me a while to realize that, but it is not big deal. I actually followed the step-by-step process with good results.

Lepakko, the day before yesterday I checked the VirtualBox repos and found that a version for Etch IS available. I have no experience yet with VB but I read very good references. On one of my Etch machines it will be the next installation.

jlinkels

Hi.

I also installed VMware. I used this guideline for Debian Etch http://www.howtoforge.com/debian_etc...e_server_howto

I actually did this twice. The first time was a proof-of-concept and was done mostly with defaults. The second time I installed on a software RAID1. So far the only real trouble I have had is that a CentOS 5 guest causes some real-time-clock interrupt event losses. The suggested fix at VMware has not worked, but it did for 3 other OSs.

A few months ago I got xen running on CentOS, but failed to be able to install a guest (dom n, n>0). The VMware went very easily in comparison. The only reason that I would consider changing now is if I were to get a new box that supported virtualization in hardware. Then I might try xen, etc, again.

Best wishes ... cheers, makyo

Thanks all.

I tried to install VMWare, but it refused to work. Something about my kernel (2.6.24 from repos) being compiled with a different version of gcc than the version I have installed.

I tried VirtualBox, and it was a painless install, and an almost painless setup (had to manually specify DNS servers in the guest), and now it works great.

You might want to look into that, it can cause similar problems down the road.