Being a converted linux user & web developer, I have found that virtualization/emulation is key.

You know the story — you need to run a app that only runs under windows (and maybe wine does not do the trick) — or you need to test out some code in IE….

I have used VMware for a long time now. I originally used it under Windows until I switched to Ubuntu (linux). Then, a week ago or so, a coworker recommended VirtualBox. This is a GREAT application.

VirtualBox is free, open source, and runs on all major platforms (Linux, Windows, Mac OSX).

I installed virtualbox on my Ubuntu Hardy Heron (8.04) and Gutsy Gibbon (7.10) without a problem. I then installed virtual copy of windows XP and ubuntu 8.04 on my Hardy Heron machine. Not a problem. Then, I copied the virtual machine files to my Gibbon install. Smooth as can be.

All in all, I don’t see myself going back to VMware. VirtualBox installed quickly & smoothly. The performance so far has been way better than what I have experienced with VMware. I would highly recommend virtualbox to anyone planning on doing virtualization or emulation for personal use.