How to run Virtual Operating Systems from a Windows Desktop

Introduction to Virtual PC

Virtualization is used by large organizations for improved management & security of servers. Virtual PC can be used on desktop computers to get the same benefits.

Virtual PC has been available as a free download from Microsoft for some time now, but not many are taking advantage of this product. In this article we will learn exactly what Virtual PC is, how it works and how it can be used for an improved computing experience.

What is Virtual PC
Virtual PC allows a computer to create a work space in which another operating system can run just like a software program. Instead of installing a new operating system like Windows XP or Vista on a computer, it can be run inside of the existing operating system installed on the machine.

Multiple virtual PC work spaces or images can be run at the same time. Each requires dedicated resources on the computer so enough memory, processing power and drive space must be available for each image being used. Virtual PC will run on most Windows XP, Vista or Server 2003 and higher platforms. The operating system being used in the image can be non-Microsoft such as UNIX, Linux or OS/2.

How Virtual PC Works
Each virtual PC image will have at least one virtual hard disk that is represented on the file system as a file with a vhd extension. The vhd file will contain all the configuration information of the virtual operating system. These files can be created and managed using the virtual PC console that is installed with the program.

The hardware resources allocated to the vhd file are managed by means of another file that has a vmc extension. It controls the size and configuration of resources given to the image such as:

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1. Memory
2. Network
3. Peripherals

The number of vhd files and the configuration of the vmc used to control the image can be modified whenever it is necessary.

What can Virtual PC Do?
One way to use Virtual PC is for running old programs that require an older operating system. Someone that has old games or accounting programs that need to run on Windows 98 for example could do so without needing another machine. Even MS-DOS and their programs can be run in this environment.

Some like the idea of running another operating system without having to remove the existing one or setting up a dual boot configuration. Testing new programs in a virtual environment without changing the configuration of a computer is a big plus for many.

Regardless of whether virtualization is used to manage software or experiment with other operating systems, its advantages make it well worth a look. Virtual PC makes such an examination easy and convenient.

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