blog: virtualization software

[nikos]

here's the comment area for today's blog post found at
http://www.zabkat.com/blog/07Mar10-desktop-virtualization.htm

[CrossX]

I had a bad experience with Virtualization software.

First with VirtualBox
I had the virtual machine stored on my C: drive, then I had the bad idea to move that file to the D: drive (thinking that later I would have only to change the appropriate link in the virtualized machine "ini" file)
The result was that at 40% of the file moving, my PC began to move it at 1 MB/sec.
I stopped it, but my PC (?), my C: hard disk (?), my file system (?)... in other words... from that moment on, my computer (my Host computer) was useless... I had always 25% of the CPU used for "Hardware Interrupts" (as shown in Process Explorer), reading from all hard disks was impossibly slow (1 MB/s to copy from one disk to another) and the only solution was to recover an Acronis Image backup booting the PC from another partition, otherwise I would have to wait some hours at that speed.

So I tried VMWare.
The same thing and the same final result (Host PC "dead"... 1 Mb/s speed to move files.. and final "recover from a backup" from another partition) this time happened only because from inside the virtual machine I deleted a snapshot.
Nothing "forbidden" this time, but only a regular command.
At 70% of the deletion the PC seemed to sloooooow down, I let it finish but I already knew the result.

My PC run Windows XP SP3 32 bit
Intel Q6600 @ 2400 MHz

The virtual environment, in both cases, was a "clean XP SP3 32 bit"

I gave up in using virtualization software  

[nikos]

i'm not sure what happened there (and if virtualization was the cause) but you can use folder junctions to move folders without breaking programs:
www.zabkat.com/blog/19Oct08-redirect-outlook-pst-folder.htm

[CrossX]

Maybe virtualization was not the cause, and maybe it was related to the drivers the host machine installs to manage the virtualized one.

Thanks for the junctions tip anway  

[Tuxman]

VirtualBox is finally stable enough to be used for some serious work.
Using a VBoxed Debian Squeeze, all is fine. Still there is some performance decrease.
_________________
Tux. ; tuxproject.de ; Windows Seven & XP 32-bit
registered xplorer² pro user since Oct 2009

[IneedHelp]

I'm using virtualization software for 5-6 years and I can't describe all the numerous ways a user can benefit from it.

Tried them all- sticking with VirtualBox and VMware. Microsoft's virtualization solutions suck! The rest aren't worth mentioning.

VMware is more techy than VirtualBox, but they both miss features that one has and the other doesn't. These two merged would represent the ultimate virtualization solution (but that's far from happening).

For those that are reading this topic and never used virtualization, I recommend trying VirtualBox first (since it's free, but I wouldn't say easier or harder to use than VMware); you can accomplish various tasks like:

- testing software (either software that you are developing or trials/free-ware). This helps you keep your PC clean from anything that may stay behind after un-installing the tested but undesired application. Also, you can mess around with the application without worrying about doing damage to your host system. If you like it, you then permanently install it on the main system.

- as an Internet gateway... yes, a virtual PC can keep you safe from outside threats. Of course, firewall software is not to be forgotten of (which, by the way, can be installed on both host and guest for increased security), but having a virtual Internet gateway is an extra layer of security. Ports can be forwarded as needed in case of server software that must run on the host (which is not the gateway).

- as a secure data container... like doing sensitive data manipulation on an isolated environment. Nothing can get in or out without your explicit permission. VMware also give the possibility to encrypt your virtual machine. You can call a virtual PC a paranoia-free solution.

- safe web browsing may be one of the best reasons to use a virtual PC. If you're suspicious about some sites (redtube.com anyone? ) or you just want to fearlessly navigate the webs in search of whatever you're looking for, put your virtual PC at risk.

- regain the right to use your hardware. I know my video camera isn't supported by Windows 7 (or the producer doesn't support Windows 7), but I also know that a Virtual PC equipped with XP can bring my camera back to life. That's a sad, but true example. Fortunately, I own multiple computers and at least one of them has XP installed and I can easily stream audio/video between machines so I don't need a virtual PC for that alone.

- support for old games.. If you don't want to clutter your main system with oldies or if a game is not supported by your current OS, use a virtual PC. It also gives you the advantage of playing it in a window. I myself use virtual PCs for playing C&C RedAlert and Team17's Worms:Armageddon with my nostalgic buddies; the benefits? I can quickly switch to the host and do stuff (reply to a PM, change the song, browse the Internet waiting for my turn, etc etc.) and for the grand finale: I play the games on 2 x 24" @ 1920x1200 screens which gives me a great advantage. Many of you may already know that on Windows 7 you can't span the desktop anymore, just extend it, so, unless you own an ATI video board that supports the Eyefinity Technology, you won't be able to run full screen applications on more than a screen. You can run them in a window, true, true... so I prefer a Virtual PC window xD.

- and in various circumstances it can be used for cheating, spamming and/or illegal activity which I will not describe here.

The beauty of Virtual Computers resides in the ability to create system snapshots. I know I'm trashing my virtual PCs by doing various system-risky activities, but reverting back to a clean, working state in 2 seconds.

There are more advantages, but I did mention I can't describe them all, so you discover the rest.