We've noticed there is a demand for Linux and people wanting to test Linux on their system, but are somewhat put off by having to install on their PC or even booting in to a Live CD, in case it causes damage to their existing Windows installation. In won't, but the fear makes them avoid going through the process. There's an alternative. You could try a virtual operating system.

VMware Player 2.0.2 is a completely free and lightweight tool for hosting virtual operating systems. However, VMware Player will enable you to host existing virtual operating systems that have been created and provided by other users. For instance, if you ever wanted to test Ubuntu 7.10 on your system, you could simply grab the VMware version of this OS and use it on VMware Player, on top of Windows.

22 Oct 2007