Virtual Installation
One of the easiest ways to install Ubuntu alongside another operating system, or even another installation of Ubuntu, is to use virtualization software. This is a technology that creates a virtual PC that, to the operating system being installed, looks exactly like a physical PC.
You can create virtual hard drives and CD-ROM drives, as well as specify the amount of RAM to provide, among various other configuration options. There are a number of products that offer this technology. The following sections outline just a few.
Microsoft Virtual PC
I generally don’t recommend Microsoft’s Virtual PC for virtualizing Ubuntu, as it is supported only on Windows XP Professional and Tablet PC, Windows Vista Business, Enterprise and Ultimate, or Windows 7. Users of operating systems such as XP Home or Vista Home Premium are left out.
That said, I have had a modicum of success with it, even when the installer warns that it may not work, so you might find that it runs adequately for you. However, if you choose to use it, I apologize in advance that you’ll have to figure out on your own any Ubuntu customization issues whose configuration lies outside of Ubuntu and must be performed in Virtual PC.
VMware
VMware comprises a set of powerful virtualization systems that will run on Linux and Max OS X, as well as most Windows platforms. It’s a proprietary system, but one version (VMware Player) is available for download free of charge. It’s quite popular and meets many people’s needs. ...
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