Testing software on your computer can be problematic. Install new software, then remove, and you'll find that the uninstaller isn't always a effective as the original installer. It can leave behind entries in your Registry, files that attempt to start when you boot your computer and temporary files that you may need to remove manually. One solution is to use a virtual operating system, such as another version of Windows on top of your existing OS. You can use that for testing new software. You can also use it for testing a brand new operating system or an alternative, such as as Linux distro.

VMware Player 2.5.1 is a free tool that will enable you to open and use a virtual operating system that has been created by another user. If you know someone who has VMware Workstation, give them a Windows serial code and they can create you a virtual OS. Either that or download one from the VMware website.

VMware Player link.

28 Nov 2008