Best VM program for Win 7

[jim31]

I'm interested in using a Virtual Memory program so I can try applications such as Windows Home Server and perhaps Windows Server 2003.

I've been looking at a program called Windows Virtual PC. It looks like it has two components - Windows XP mode and Windows Virtual PC. Can someone explain with of the two programs I would use.

Any suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[StalkeR]

For me the best is VMware. Also you can try Virtual Box ,it's also great.

 

[pparks1]

I'm interested in using a Virtual Memory program so I can try applications such as Windows Home Server and perhaps Windows Server 2003.

I think you mean you are looking for virtualization software.

I've been looking at a program called Windows Virtual PC. It looks like it has two components - Windows XP mode and Windows Virtual PC. Can someone explain with of the two programs I would use.

Windows Virtual PC is the underlying virtual machine software provided for free by Microsoft. This allows you to create various virtual machines on your computer. Now, Windows XP mode is a virtualized Windows XP with Service Pack 3 that is "free" to use by people who own a copy of either Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate. It's a free copy of Windows XP that is setup to run as a virtual machine.

In addition to Microsoft's programs, there are 2 other very popular options out there. 1 is VMWare Player and the other is Oracle VirtualBox. Both of these are free and work great. The advantage to both of these is that they have great support for operating systems outside of those made by Microsoft....like Linux. Like Windows Virtual PC these are just virtualization software applications. You must create and install the virtual machine itself after installing them.

If you do happen to have a copy of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate and would prefer to use VMWare Player, you can import Windows XP mode into it and use it. Like I said, it's a free copy of Windows that is activated and ready to go...provided you have 7 Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate.

 

[whs]

I use Virtual Box - works well (with Guest Additions)

 

[jim31]

Many thanks to all who replied.

Yes, I'm running a registered copy of Windows 7 Professional.

 

[pparks1]

In that case, I'd suggest VMWare Player with the import of Windows XP Mode. It's what I use.

 

[pcunite]

Virtual box is the best free one, but WMWare is so much better if you use a VM everyday. Managment is much better, support (different OSes) and so on.