Home > Articles > CompTIA > A+

Like this article? We recommend Free Virtualization Software

Free Virtualization Software

One of the biggest obstacles to overcome in setting up a virtualized environment has traditionally been obtaining virtualization software. Thankfully, a variety of free virtualization programs are now available, taking the financial sting out of virtualization.

For Windows 7

If you are running Windows 7 and have hardware virtualization support, download and install Windows Virtual PC (see Figure 7).

Figure 7 Configuring a new virtual machine for use with Windows Vista using Windows Virtual PC

Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP

Windows 7 users whose systems don't support hardware virtualization can download Virtual PC 2007, which also works with Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Third-party solutions include Sun Microsystems' VirtualBox and VMware's VMware Player, which also work with Linux distributions (distros).

Comparing Virtualization Programs

Microsoft compares Windows Virtual PC and Virtual PC 2007 here.

Labnol's comparison of Windows Virtual PC, Virtual PC 2007, WMware Player 3.0, and VirtualBox 3.0 is available here.

Pearson IT Certification Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from Pearson IT Certification and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.