Virtual computer online windows. Creating a VirtualBox virtual machine. VMware Workstation Installation Process

A huge number of programs that appear every day make downloading and installing unknown software on a computer more and more dangerous for the system and important files on the computer. In addition, many programs that have the necessary functions for programmers, artists and other PC users are available only for a small number of operating systems. If earlier you had to take a lot of risk, downloading a suspicious file from the Internet, or reinstall the system just for the sake of one necessary program, now there is such an OS as a virtual machine for this.

What is a virtual machine

Virtual machine - a special program that is installed on the user's native operating system and, when launched, begins to emulate, that is, reproduce, the functions of any other operating system specified in the settings. The main convenience of such programs is that there is no need to switch between OS and access to all the functions of the reproduced system. In addition, all actions performed inside the virtual machine will not affect the operation of the main system, which prevents possible computer failures.

At the moment, the developers of virtual machines have created programs that allow you to emulate any operating system, from early versions of Windows to Ubuntu, OS X and lesser known axes, and also work with ready-made servers, for example, bitrix virtual machine.

There is one more, narrower, understanding of the term "virtual machine", which is widespread among musicians - virtual drum machinethat plays the sounds of the drum kit. Such a program allows you to record parts of percussion instruments without using a live setup, but in special recording programs or "animating" a pre-recorded midi-track, placing the recorded samples of each beat under the electronic sound.

What is a virtual machine for?

The range of actions that can be performed using a virtual machine is actually very large.

The simplest thing you can do with it is to use programs that are not available for the user's operating system or even for a PC in principle. For example, the emulator of the Android operating system is essentially a virtual machine that people use to run applications or games.

In addition, virtual machines are often used by programmers to test written programs. For example, to check how correctly a written algorithm works in different versions of Windows. The same applies to the developers of applications for iOS and Android, who check the functionality of the development inside the emulators. For this, there is a virtual machine on a flash drive, so that you can always check the functionality of the written code.

For such checks, machines are also used by less advanced users. The fact is that when emulating related operating systems, the machine can reproduce all the information that is contained on the computer. Therefore, if a user has to download a file from the Internet that may contain viruses, then he should first check it in a virtual machine. If it plays normally on it, then you can safely open it on your native OS.

In addition, they help in corporate work, say, Bitrix virtual machines.

If we talk about virtual drum machines, then they are used in order to record drum parts with high quality in conditions of a lack of funds, for example, for renting a studio. Of all the instruments, the drums are the most sensitive to recording, and it is on them that the most time is spent. In addition, the drummer may not have enough skill to play them exactly, which significantly increases the amount of rent money. In such a situation, the best way out is to record the part in the program and then play it back.

What are virtual machines

Virtual Machine for Windows 10

Especially for advanced users familiar with the concept of "virtual machine", Microsoft made built-in emulation of other operating systems -. Initially, its functionality is blocked, but its components are easily enabled through the Control Panel.

Go to the Control Panel and go to the subsection " Programs and Features". There in the window " Turning components on and off»Tick the Hyper-V service name. After that, the virtual machine will be installed on the PC, and in the future it will be possible to start it through the menu “ Start».

Key benefits of Hyper-V:

• built into the system, no need to download and search for anything;
• has full functionality for emulating different versions of Windows, for example, 98 and other operating systems;
• supports Windows versions of different bit sizes;
• simple and intuitive interface.

In general, thanks to the presence of Hyper-V on Windows 10, users have no need for other similar programs. Although the utility does not require special configuration skills, you can read more about it in the related article.

Virtual machine for Windows 7

The most popular virtual machine for Windows 7 users is Windows Virtual PC... Initially, its main functionality was intended to emulate Windows XP, so that developers could comfortably transfer programs developed for this OS to the new seven, which was just coming out at that time. In the future, its capabilities have expanded, and now Virtual PC is a separate platform that can reproduce almost all existing operating systems.

Like Hyper-V, this service is built into the system from the start. In order to install it, you need to go to " Start"And the submenu" Programs". There you need to find a line with the name of the program, click on it. A window will open in which you can freely create, delete and perform other manipulations with the emulator of operating systems.

Virtual machines for Mac and other operating systems

In addition to the virtual machines built into the seventh and tenth Windows, third-party developers have created many other, independent utilities that have approximately the same capabilities, but differ in details. The most popular one is Oracle VirtualBox, which will be discussed in this part of the article.

This virtual machine can emulate all current operating systems, and is also available for the most popular operating systems at the moment - Windows, OS X, Linux and Solaris. You can download it from the developer's website, having previously selected which system you need it for.

This Oracle program differs from the rest of its counterparts in its wide functionality, which includes support for USB ports and their launch from an emulated machine, the ability to save the state of the system for its instant rollback in case a critical error occurs. In fact, from the huge list of all supported features, we can conclude that by downloading Oracle VirtualBox, you can comfortably work with any operating system without any restrictions at all.

For most users, the VirtualBox utility is a very good choice because of its practicality, reliability and functionality.

After the distribution kit with the application is on your computer, double-click on it. This will launch the installer. In it, you will need to choose which features, in addition to the Oracle machine itself, are installed with it. The list includes: internal Python programming, customized Internet support, and USB port integration. After that, just follow the instructions in the installation file until the installation of Oracle VirtualBox is complete.

Virtual drum machines

Virtual drum machines are present in the form of additional plug-ins that are installed and run through the program for recording or writing music - FL Studio, Ableton, Cubase and others. The most popular drum machine emulators are Ez drummer and Addictive drums... In the free access to them there are large libraries of samples for every taste, recorded by famous drummers.

Creating your own virtual machine

In addition, there is also a company VMWare, which also offers users programs to create their own virtual machines. The most famous of them is called Workstation and is distributed on a paid basis. However, there are tons of resources that offer free use of this virtual machine, both for Windows, Mac, and Ubuntu. It's worth noting that the company offers a ton of additional utilities that expand the capabilities of the base program, adding desktop management, streaming, and more. Let's consider why this virtual machine is needed.

Workstation allows you to create virtual machines that will be managed from a single center. For the most part, this tool is of interest to large companies that need to configure the same functionality of devices on a large number of computers.

One of the most important features that the VMWare virtual machine has, the so-called, vSphere, which allows not only to create and configure a virtual machine, but also to implement a whole infrastructure of such devices, interconnected. And if you have to choose, then such functionality will be very useful for large companies whose employees need to exchange data and information with each other.

All the functionality of the developed VMWare programs is based not on a single use of a virtual machine, but on the formation of a grid from them and a single place from where this network is controlled.

Virtualization 1C-Bitrix

Another program created for comfortable work with 1C-Bitrix products is bitrix virtual machine, this time from domestic developers, which can also work with any PHP applications... In fact, this program is an emulation of the site server, which contains all settings for comfortable work... The finished machine can be opened at VMWare Player or other applications from this developer (there are also versions for VirtualBox and HyperV).

The program allows you to save time and get started immediately after the main platform is ready for use. At the same time, the Bitrix virtual machine is installed directly into the main emulation system, integrating into its functionality and operation, which allows you to start interacting with 1C projects immediately after installation and launch.

Which virtual machine to choose

There is no clear comparison here. It all depends on the user and his needs. For emulating games and checking third-party software, the usual Hyper-V services and the like, built into the operating system itself, are quite enough. A well tested, reliable and free option is VirtualBox.For organizations, the best virtual machines are definitely VMWare products or the Bitrix virtual machine, since they simplify business and employee interactions.

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Sometimes, for different purposes, the user needs to use several systems at once. There is, of course, an option, of course, to use several computers at once or put it on one several systems, but this is inconvenient and impractical. In this situation, one solution, which has long been used among programmers and developers, is to install a virtual machine for Windows. In this article, you will learn how to install "virtualka" under Windows 7, 8, 10.

Which virtual machine should you choose?

You may not believe it, but there is a fairly large selection of virtual machines. Each of them has its own specific functionality and features. Please note that it will not work to put a powerful virtual machine on a weak computer, and in general, weak computers are difficult to transfer programs of this kind. If you have less than 2 GB of RAM on your PC and less than 100 GB of free space on your hard disk, we do not recommend installing a virtual machine. Increase your memory first, and then use it to the maximum.

For everyday tasks and constant use, we recommend using the program VMware Workstation, which is a whole range of applications for working with a virtual OS. You can understand it, even if you have never used such programs. It is easy to use, does not eat a lot of RAM and includes the integration of the virtual system into the main one, which allows them to be used in parallel in one working environment. We suggest taking a close look at the VMware installation process.

We tested the 11th version of this software, it supports everything that will be necessary for both a novice user and an experienced one.

VMware Workstation Installation Process

This completes the installation process, now we are smoothly moving on to how to install the OS on a virtual machine for Windows. Please note that any OS that has an installation file is suitable for installation. Let's look at an example of installing Windows 7 Ultimate in VMware Workstation.

How to install an operating system on VMware Workstation

First, you need to download the OS installation file to your computer. You can use the search and find this file, or you can simply ask someone for an installation disk (homemade) and download from there.

After downloading "Windows" to our computer, we will begin the process of installing the OS.

1. We create a new virtual machine. To do this, go to the menu "File - New Virtual Machine";
   
   
2. Negotiation of the parameters of the future VM will begin. In the first window, you will be asked how you want to install it. We offer to choose "Selective" configuration type and click "Further";
   
   
3. In the next window, also click "Further";
   
   
4. In the next window you will be asked to select the source to install "guest" OS. If you took the installation disc, specify the drive, and if downloaded from the Internet, specify the path to the file using the button "Overview"... Then click "Further";
   
   
5. Now you need to provide the product key and OS user details. We only recommend choosing Windows 7 Ultimateand skip the rest;
   
   
6. Enter a name for the new virtual machine, or leave the old one, and then define the parameters. Let's start with the type of firmware - leave the BIOS, and the number of processors is 1/4 of the available ones. We have 4, so we put 1, but with two cores. With RAM, it's about the same, but 1/3 of the total available memory. We have 4, but about 3 are available, so we put 1 GB;
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Now let's deal with the Internet for a virtual machine. We leave everything as it is and further, where they ask about the controller, the type of virtual disk;
   
   
8. Recommended put 20-30 GB for the hard disk of the virtual OS, and then specify the path where the virtual machine file will be stored;
   
   
9. Check all the installed parameters and the OS installation will start;
   
   
   
   
10. Next, the standard OS installation will take place. Just follow the course of events and, if required, enter user details;
11. After successful installation, start the virtual machine and check the functionality;
    
    
12. After successfully starting the virtual machine, the system will start up. Wait for completion;
    
    
13. After downloading, you are taken to "Desktop" virtual machines and you can start working;
    
    
14. To control a virtual machine for Windows, you need to click on the desktop;
15. When the work in the guest OS is completed, it is necessary to shutdown the virtual machine as correctly as when using a persistent system - "Start -" Shutdown "otherwise you can "break" it. Happy VM use for Windows 7, 8, 10!
    
    

You can argue for a long time on the principles of virtualization and its role in the IT industry, but the ordinary user will not be of any use. Therefore, I will say briefly. The virtual machine is your sandbox. You can install your operating system in it, install programs, run suspicious files as if it were another computer. Without fear for your main operating system.

So, a virtual machine is a program that can completely disguise itself as a separate computer (emulate). Under it, as on a separate computer, you can install Windows (Linux, FreeBSD, MacOS X) and they will not suspect anything. The operating system that runs in the virtual computer is called subsidiary... You, working with another OS in the program window, are well protected from viruses and your own errors. After all, a virtual computer will not burn out, there is no important data on it, it is easy to restore it at any time.

Subsidiary operating systems are much faster if your processor supports hardware virtualization. You can check this using a utility that you can download.

There are quite a few free virtual machines, but we'll take a look at the two most popular VirtualPCs from Microsoft and VirtualBox, recently purchased by Oracle.

VirtualBox

VirtualBox - a free virtual machine with a very wide range of features and excellent performance. VirtualBox officially supports most of the popular operating systems, such as various versions of Windows, Linux distributions, MacOS X and other operating systems. Due to the support of hardware virtualization, you can achieve the speed of the child system comparable to the main one. A large set of additional utilities allows you to perform many useful actions, such as restoring the child OS, simply transferring files between the main and child systems, and even translating the program window into the main OS.
The big plus of VirtualBox is that it supports many mobile operating systems such as WinMobile or Android.

Virtual PC

Virtual PC - a virtual machine from Microsoft, which they provide for free use. It will not work to install an alternative OS on this virtual machine (at least without dancing with a tambourine). There is no official Linux guest support, although many distributions work successfully. But there are simple solutions for installing other versions of Windows. For example, XP compatibility mode for later versions of Windows.
Virtual PC also supports hardware virtualization, which greatly speeds up the guest OS.
The archive contains 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Virtual PC. But remember that you can only install a 64-bit guest OS if your main OS is also 64-bit.

Virtualization allows you to encapsulate the internals of operating systems or parts of them inside virtual hardware and software. In other words, create a virtual space that is real from the point of view of the operating system running in that space. This is exactly what virtual machines for Windows 7, Linux and Mac OS X do. Virtualization also allows you to simulate devices that are not on your computer at all.

Note: In a sense, virtual machines allow you to create a computer inside a computer.

There are two important aspects of machine virtualization:

• interaction between physical host (computer) and virtual host
• interaction between the operating system running in the virtual space and the hardware used

Virtualization software, namely virtual machines for Windows 7 (Linux, Mac OS X), is usually a regular application or operating system service that allows you to create hosts. Any physical machine (computer) is called a host. Inside virtualization software, the operating system runs on a similar or identical real host called a virtual machine. For convenience, the operating system running in a virtual machine is referred to as a guest operating system.

In addition, there are various ways of virtualization, on which not only the implementation of applications for creating virtual machines depends, but also the provided capabilities for guests. There is a common emulation in which hardware and software calls go through the middle layer. There is also para-virtualization, where part of the actions inside the virtual machine takes place on real hardware, while the other part goes through the intermediate layer. And also there is virtualization at the system level, when each guest system is loaded in a special kernel, which allows you to run only similar versions of the operating system.

Some of these methods can be performed on the fly, without significant changes to the real host and its operating system. Others require rebooting the host into a special instance of the operating system that supports virtualization. Others use dedicated hosts that support and are designed for virtualization at the hardware device level. The latter are also known as virtualization techniques on bare metal (although this is not entirely true, since some software kernel is still used).

Virtualization software that manages the creation and operation of virtual machines, as well as the allocation and limitation of the resources provided, is often referred to as a hypervisor. Some virtualization applications can also use special processor extensions to improve the performance of virtual machines. The presence of such extensions is called hardware virtualization support. Examples of this support are VT-X (Intel) and AMD-V (AMD) technologies.

What is not virtualization and virtual machine?

Some people like to call virtualization programs (virtual machines) anything that creates a layer of abstraction between the operating system and some of the running processes. For example, there is Sandboxie, which allows you to isolate browsers from the system (see browser protection utilities). Some programs allow you to freeze the state of the system so that it cannot be changed. Others also allow you to use the so-called shadow mode, in which all programs run normally, but any changes are canceled when the computer is restarted.

Of course, all of these programs provide different benefits, but they are not considered virtualization technologies and are not virtual machines because they do not imitate system calls and they do not allow you to run guest operating systems on top of the current system. Such programs only create additional layers of separation, mainly to increase the level of security. Continuing the topic of security, then ...

Why use virtualization and virtual machines?

If security comes first for you and this is the first thing you think about in any situation, then virtualization (using virtual machines) can certainly help you with this. But, don't assume that virtualization is primarily used for security purposes. Its primary goals are testing, cost reduction, flexibility, legacy product support, and education. Increasing the level of security is just a nice bonus, which has many pitfalls.

Note: Although virtualization allows you to isolate one operating system from another, there are still ways to get from the guest system to the main one.

What does it take to run virtualization technology and virtual machines?

The first thing to consider is the physical host. Depending on the type of virtualization software (virtual machines), completely different hardware and operating systems may be required. Virtualization does not imply any one solution that will run wherever you need it. Virtual machines need to be selected for the system (Windows, Linux, Mac), and for the hardware (hardware). In addition, the host must have the required.

So if you are going to run guest operating systems on top of your system, you will need additional resources to run them, such as CPU and RAM. For example, if your computer only has 2GB of RAM and you want to run the guest system on Windows 7, then you will have to severely limit resource usage on the real system for the virtual machine to function properly. Unless you're trying to run Windows XP with 256MB of memory, of course. However, if you have 16 GB of RAM, then you can run more than one guest system without feeling any lack of resources.

Pros: Easy to install and use.

Cons: Limited functionality. Doesn't support snapshots and directory sharing.

Virtual Machine for Windows 7, Linux and Mac OS X - VirtualBox

VirtualBox is another cross-platform virtual machine software for Windows 7 and higher, as well as Linux and Mac systems, currently owned by Oracle. VirtualBox is similar to VMware Player, but has more features, including a more advanced networking stack, unlimited snapshots, some OpenGL and DirectX support, and much more. The app is easy to install and just as easy to use. You can also use the command line for automatic deployment. VirtualBox also supports USB and shared directories. There is also a portable version of VirtualBox. However, there are also disadvantages. You cannot take screenshots of guest systems. Disk management is somewhat confusing.

Audience: beginners and advanced users.

Pros: Easy to install and use, many features.

Cons: No support for screenshots, importing existing machines is difficult, not intuitive disk management.

VMware ESXi hypervisor for creating virtual machines

ESXi is a bare metal hypervisor with reduced functionality compared to ESX. The application requires a host and can be controlled from the console (the console is locked by default, but you can manually enable it). You will not be able to take screenshots or capture video from the screens of your virtual machines. Guest migration and cloning is done manually only. But, on the other hand, you get memory sharing for more efficient use of RAM, powerful control and management, and command line access via SSH (when unlocked). You can also install VMware Tools to improve the performance of virtual machines. Para virtualization is also supported by ESXi.

Pros: Powerful, advanced virtual machine capabilities.

Cons: Requires a host and a lot of resources. Not easy to install and run.

Virtual Machine for Unix / Linux - Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM)

KVM supports virtualization only for UNIX-like operating systems (Linux). The application can be run on any hardware or in emulation mode, however, without processor extensions, performance will be terrible. KVM is designed to be used over the console. But, it has a decent management interface that lets you start and stop virtual machines, take screenshots, and more. The interface is known as Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) and is also used to manage Xen virtual machines (see below). Support for local and remote control. There is a known conflict with VirtualBox, but it can be solved relatively easily

Audience: advanced users and professionals.

Pros: Full control and flexibility, very high performance, under the right conditions.

Cons: Only UNIX-like systems. Requires virtualization hardware extensions to run properly. Emphasis on the command line. Not easy to install and run.

Virtual Machine for Unix / Linux - Xen

Xen is another application for virtualizing UNIX-like operating systems (Linux). It must boot in its own kernel instance. The emphasis is on the command line. But, you can also use VMM. Officially, Xen has been supported by OpenSUSE for many years and has recently been added to the mainline kernel release. Xen can run in hardware-assisted or para-virtualized mode. However, for para-virtualization, Xen is highly problematic to install and run. Also, Xen has limited support for cd-rom and network devices. It is also available as a bare metal virtualization hypervisor on a Live CD. There are numerous third-party extensions for managing Xen.

Audience: advanced users and professionals.

Pros: Full control and flexibility, very good performance, built-in kernel support.

Cons: Only UNIX-like systems. The para-virtualization mode is buggy. Emphasis on the command line. Several command line utilities that can be confusing. Not easy to install and run. You must load your own kernel instance.

Other solutions for creating virtual machines

There are many other solutions not listed here, such as Parallels Virtuozzo, OpenVZ, and VMLite-based VirtualBox. There are also a number of redesigned solutions, including examples of crossing virtualization and thin clients. Linux also has a huge number of its own modifications. And don't forget about the cloud with your virtualization applications.

Nevertheless, if you are a novice user, then you should not chase the possibilities and colorful modifications. Otherwise, an attempt to create a virtual machine to run a couple of three programs can result in several sleepless nights.

A few words about virtualization programs

This review will be useful not only for novice users, but also for experts. The listed products cover a wide range of virtualization technologies at all levels. All solutions described are free for personal use. Choose what you want or need based on the available hardware, requirements for ease of setup and launch, and the availability of the required set of functions.

Typically, most people start learning about virtualization with VMware Player or VirtualBox. Linux users may prefer KVM and possibly Xen. Advanced users might want to take a look at ESXi.

The concept of a virtual machine (from the English. Virtual Machine) means a software or hardware system that emulates the hardware of a certain platform (guest platform), executing programs for the guest platform by means of the host platform.

Also, a virtual machine can virtualize a certain platform, creating independent, isolated environments on it for operating systems and programs.

Virtual Machine for Windows 7 - we offer you an overview of popular programs.

To put it simply, a virtual machine provides an opportunity on one real, physical computer to create several virtual computers, install various operating systems, programs, etc. on them.

This technology came to the masses from the world of server infrastructure, where virtual machines are used to create maximum server load and reduce equipment downtime.

Virtual machines are used to solve a range of tasks such as:

1. Optimization of the use of server resources.
2. Information protection, as well as limiting the capabilities of some programs, the so-called sandbox idea.
3. Research into new computer architecture or software.
4. Emulation of various computer architectures (for example, to emulate Sony's PlayStation game console).
5. Creation of malicious code.
   For example, the SubVirt rootkit, created in 2006 by Microsoft Research (MSR), created a virtual working environment in which the user's operating system was placed along with antivirus, firewall and other software designed to protect the PC.
   At the same time, the rootkit itself remained outside and therefore did not fall into the field of action of antiviruses, providing remote control over the virtual machine to the attacker.
6. Simulation of computer networks.
7. Software testing and debugging.

We bring to your attention a brief overview of the most popular virtualization programs.

Windows 7 virtual machine: Virtual Box

Oracle virtualization software for Linux, Mac OS X, MS Windows, etc.

The program is quite popular and below we will consider not everything, but only its key advantages:

Free.

Cross-platform.

Support for 64-bit guests on 32-bit host platforms. To do this, the host platform must support virtualization technology at the processor level.

Support for audio devices and various types of networking.

The ability to create a chain of backup states (backups), to which you can return in case of problems with the guest system.

Russian language interface.

Important! The shortcomings of the program are not significant, but for the sake of objectivity of the assessment, we should also mention them - VirtualBox is poorly compatible with Win 95/98 OS (system performance is slow) and Mac OS X (sound problems).

As you can see, the shortcomings of the program are not significant and are rather nominal.

Windows 7 virtual machine: Xen

Virtual Machine Monitor (hypervisor), developed at the University of Cambridge and distributed under the open source (GPL license).

Using paravirtualization technology (PV mode), Xen achieves very high performance by emulating real hardware platforms.

A peculiarity of the PV mode is the absence of the initial moment of computer boot (imitation of the BIOS code, bootloader) and the guest OS kernel starts immediately in the desired mode, like ordinary programs.

It is worth noting that Xen can be compared to enterprise-grade software due to its rich functionality.

Advantages:

Free.

Cross-platform.

High performance of running virtual machines, which is very close to the performance of real systems.

The ability to migrate running virtual machines between physical hosts.

High degree of support for emulated hardware.

The disadvantage of the program is, perhaps, one - its relative complexity, in comparison with similar software from other companies.

Virtual Machine for Windows 7: Virtual PC

Initially, this program was developed by Connetix for Mac OS, back in 1997. 4 years later, a version for Windows was released.

Later, in 2003, the rights to the program were acquired by Microsoft Corporation, and in 2006 the program became free.

In the future, Virtual PC did not develop and currently contains the functionality of 2007.

Benefits:

Free.

Simple, user-friendly interface.

Disadvantages:

The program works only in the Windows environment, but is incompatible with Windows 8 and higher.

The program, unlike Virtual Box, is not compatible with AMD processors.

Virtual Machine for Windows 7: VMware Player

A product from the largest American developer of virtualization software Vmware.

Vmware products are primarily aimed at the corporate segment of the market, so the full version of the program - VMware Workstation - is paid.

The license price is about $ 250. For non-commercial use, the manufacturer offers a program with limited functionality VMware Player.

It should be noted that the limitations generally apply to software developers and IT specialists; the program is quite functional to perform the tasks of an ordinary user.

Benefits:

Free.

Fast.

Simple, user-friendly interface.

ThinPrint technology allows you to print any document opened in the guest OS without installing additional drivers.

Working with multiple monitors in the guest OS.

File exchange between guest systems using Drag & Drop technology.

Disadvantages:

Limited functionality of the free version.

Installing Windows 7 x64 on VirtualBox (virtual machine)

Virtual machine for Windows 7: multiple operating systems on one machine