To VM or not to VM

[SteveTompkins]

That is the question... In order to get around a recent 64-bit operating system issue I installed VirtualBox and put bot WinXP and Ubuntu on. Firstly, VirtualBox is great! Easy to use, well documented and low weight. Definitely recomended.

So, to open it to the floor, is it a better option to solve compatibility issues using a VM or is it better to use Compatibility mode? I ask because I recently tried to install 3D Studio Max 6 and had issues. I am not sure if I should stick it on the VM or use it in Compatibility mode.

 

[Mark]

I am no expert but I think if it works in compatibility mode then it would be best to use it that way, and save on all the extra resources you would use have a second OS running, that's what the compatibility mode is for and it will work fine for most things.

 

[pparks1]

I'm a huge fan of virtualization in general. I use it extensively at work running servers and I've used it at home for setting up labs and test boxes and such.

The thing that I love about using VM's include
1). No risk to the host operating system. So, you can pretty much try anything you want in the VM without fear that your host OS is going to crash or not boot.

2). You can easily back and restore your VM if you want to try something risky. Simply shut it down, back up the hard drive file and proceed on your way. Something goes wrong, just put the file back and you are right back in business.

3). The ability to create snapshots...so when you are trying something new, or writing up some documentation...you can easily go over a few steps a few times to ensure that you have all of the steps right.

 

[ccatlett1984]

Running studio max in a vm is gonna suck, its doing hardcore rendering.