Virtualization recommendation ??

whs · 19 Jan 2013

Before they close the door on the cheap offerings the end of the month, I wasted $40 and got a Windows 8 .iso and key. I want to install it in a virtual system - just to keep up with you guys,

In the past I have always used Virtual Box which served me well. But recently I had a lot of problems with the networking in the host system because vBox always seemed to monopolize the IP address.

So I am looking for the best alternative. My system has an i7, 8GB of RAM and a SSD that is half empty. So there should not be any problem from the hardware side. What is important to me is that I can run the virtual system and the host seemlessly side by side.

If you are running Windows 8 in virtual, let me know what you recommend.

mitchell65 · 19 Jan 2013

I did the same as you and have been unable to install 8 on the VM box. I read somewhee that I need to "tell" VM to allow 64bit but can't yet see how to do this. I have already installed Windows XP 32 bit .

Brink · 19 Jan 2013

Hello Wolfgang,

I've been running a copy of Windows 8 in VMware Player for a while now, and it's been running great in it so far.

VMware Player - Install Windows 8

whs · 19 Jan 2013

Thanks Shawn. Great tutorial as usual. I'll try that.

Question: Does that run seemlessly - meaning that I can switch between Win7 and Win8 with 1 click ??

Brink · 19 Jan 2013

Yep, it's just like having another window open. I can copy and paste between them as well.

whs · 19 Jan 2013

That sounds good, thanks.

Brink · 19 Jan 2013

Anytime mate. :)

jimbo45 · 22 Jan 2013

Hi there

@ Brink -- a lot of people don't know this but you CAN run 64 bit GUESTS from a 32 Bit HOST subject to a couple of restrictions -- I'm sure this is useful for people who would like to try the 64 bit version even if they are currently using 32 bit Hosts.

so long as VT is enabled in your BIOS (INTEL) or equiv in AMD then you can run a 64 bit Guest in VMware. These days this is usually enabled by default or is standard in the CPU anyway.

If you don't have the VT feature or it doesn't exist (Older CPU's) you can still ALWAYS run a 32 bit guest.

Incidentally contrary to what people think you CAN run a 64 bit guest in a 32 bit host -- so long as

a) The VT feature is enabled, and

b) HOST + GUEST total RAM is <= 4GB.

This is a great feature for people currently running 32 bit OS'es and who want to try out the 64 bit versions before committing themselves. (Note of course your machine must be 64 bit capable in any case).

Here's my W8 Pro x-64 VM being run from a 32 bit W2003 Server ( approx. equiv to XP as far as the HOST OS is concerned).

Cheers
jimbo

strollin · 22 Jan 2013

I use VBox in a corporate setting with no problems of it "monopolizing the IP address". I've also used VMWare Player but it doesn't have all the features of VBox such as the ability to take snapshots.

whs · 22 Jan 2013

If you mean snips or screenshots with 'snapshots', then you can take those with the host programs.