[dundee] Linux virtual machines in Windows XP

[gordon dunlop]

Hi All.

I have been installing Linux virtual machines on some of my family's 
Windows XP computers ( they are elderly and concerned about security, 70 
years old plus). I decided to use virtualbox rather than VMWare (which I 
use) because it is supposed to be more user friendly. Virtual box can be 
downloaded from:

http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

We are talking about machines that are about 6 years old and have 
processors of about 1Ghz. I have found that the bare minimum RAM memory 
within the system should be 512MB (768MB preferred), this is because a 
256MB virtual memory is required for the installation from a Linux live 
cd, an ordinary Linux installation disk would require a bit less. After 
the installation of virtualbox I put in a live Linux Cd. I started up 
virtual box and selected NEW system, I created a virtual image of 5 
megabytes (recommended minimum) with a RAM memory of 256 MB ( 
recommended minimum with a live Linux CD). I changed the settings to 
include cd/dvd,USB support and I also increased the setting of the video 
memory from 8MB to 32 MB. I left the networking to NAT. I have found 
that the Internet works flawlessly in the virtual Linux system in a 
wireless computer without having to change network settings or having to 
use static Internet addresses within the virtual machine.

This means that a virtual Linux system can be used in places that 
require Windows authentication logons e.g. local wireless Intranet 
systems in Universities, Institutions and Businesses. The Internet logon 
is initially accessed in your Windows machine and then browsing is then 
done within your virtual Linux machine.

Gordon