How to Run Linux on a Virtual PC
- 1). Download the ISO file for the Linux distribution you want to use and use your favorite CD burner to burn it to a blank CD/R. If you do not have access to a CD burner, you can order a LiveCD from the distribution for a small fee. You only need to burn the ISO to a CD/R if you want a physical copy of the distribution software.
- 2). Launch your virtual machine. There are several virtual machine software programs you can use, like VMware Player, VirtualBox or Microsoft's Virtual PC.
- 3). Initiate a virtual Linux installation. Select the amount of memory you plan to use for the distribution. Open your CD-ROM drive and insert your Linux LiveCD. Point the virtual machine to the CD drive with the LiveCD in it, and begin the installation process. Pull the LiveCD out. If you did not burn a CD/R, select "Use an ISO file" instead of CD-ROM.
- 4). Configure any hardware options that you need to. VirtualBox, for example, requires you to install and configure any USB hardware you want to use in the virtual machine.
- 5). Launch your virtual machine and boot your Linux operating system.