Windows 7: two operating systems

Hello
I tested and checked and my pc can run a VM.
I was not successful with VMware's Player but would like to move past that and am asking;
can I install both the Chrome OS and Win 8 in Oracles VM?

Thank you
Peter

1. Windows 8 yes but there are problems with guest additions. There is a workaround but it's tricky.
2. ChromeOS yes but I recommend you don't attempt it yourself and use a pre-built disk from here. Chromium OS builds by Hexxeh

>>Is there any VM the average user could install that would allow one to use the pc more safely han with their own os?
Chrome and Win 8 aside, i though that was the purpose of the VM.
I could use the laptop as a guide to install it in my desktop ,IF, it was within capability and would actually be a benefit.
I am picking up bits and pieces and I learned you have to install seperate vms.

Your information is important and puts this in a different light. I am asking my self if it is worth doing for a learnng experience and for safe, usefullness.
Any reply appreciated.
In any case, thank you for the referral.
Peter

Yes. The reason the VMs are having trouble with Win 8 and ChromeOs is that they are cutting edge. Both VMPlayer and VirtualBox run other versions of Windows up to seven and most Linux distributions, even the newest ones, just fine.

So at the least, I can install a VM and use it to test software, surf and email with little risk and perhpas install the other two later.

Which woud serve the purpose best? I had trouble withVMware.

I prefer VirtualBox myself but others may differ.

>.Knowing I cannot use my Win 7 with it(i license per 1 pc) and Chrome and Win are cutting edge leading to trouble, which os could i use?
I gve my pc away with the xp discs and the couple is using it.

You can run Windows 7 for a trial period of 30 days without a product key. If you are just using it for testing you can just delete the VM and reinstall after that time. On the Linux side Ubuntu runs well as does Linux Mint.

Thank you - may I ask, I was just at the MS site and read that if you download and install Win 8 as an iso to dvd you then must reinstall your previous operating system to use it again.
Am I misunderstanding?
I am trying to compile notes gicven me to sort out so i can end up with a VM I cainstall a free os with and use for email surfing and testing software.
It is proving a task for an average user, but I won't learn without trying.

Downloading the ISO will not harm your windows 7 system. If you install it on your native PC the likely this will replace Windows 7 but if you install it in a VM then this will not harm your Windows 7 installation. To install it in a VM you don't burn it to DVD you just point the virtual CD drive of the VM at the ISO and boot the VM from the virtual CD drive. With Virtual Box this is done in the storage tab as shown in the attached screenshot of my Win 7 VM.




There is a tutorial on how to install Ubuntu in VirtualBox. It is a bit dated but the principle is the same . Linux - Install on Windows 7 Virtual Machine using VirtualBox