Five Best Virtual Machine Applications

Most modern computers are powerful enough to run entire operating systems within your main operating systems, which means virtual machines are more commonplace today than ever. Here's a look at the five most popular virtual machine applications.P

Virtual machines allow you to run one operating system emulated within another operating system. Your primary OS can be Windows 7 64-bit, for example, but with enough memory and processing power, you can run Ubuntu and OS X side-by-side within it. Earlier this week we asked you to share your favorite virtual machine application, and now we're back to highlight the five most popular picks.

VirtualBox (Windows/Mac/Linux, Free)P

SEXPAND

VirtualBox has a loyal following thanks to a combination of a free-as-in-beer price tag, cross-platform support, and a huge number of features that make running and maintaining virtual machines a breeze. Virtual machine descriptions and parameters are stored entirely in plain-text XML files for easy portability and easy folder sharing. Its "Guest Additions" feature, available for Windows, Linux, and Solaris virtual machines, makes VirtualBox user friendly, allowing you to install software on the virtual machine that grants extra privileges to the host machine for tasks like sharing files, sharing drives and peripherals, and more. You can read about additional VirtualBox features here..P

Parallels (Windows/Mac/Linux, $79.99)P

SEXPAND

Although best known for the Mac version of their virtual machine software, Parallels also runs virtualization on Windows and Linux. The Parallels software boasts a direct link, thanks to optimization on Intel and AMD chips, to the host computer's hardware with selective focus—when you jump into the virtual machine to work the host machine automatically relinquishes processing power to it. Parallels also offers clipboard sharing and synchronization, shared folders, and transparent printer and peripheral support. Read more about the Mac features hereand the Windows/Linux features here.P

VMware (Windows/Linux, Basic: Free, Premium: $189)P

VMware for desktop users comes in two primary flavors: VMware Player and VMware Workstation. VMware Player is a free solution aimed at casual users who need to create and run virtual machines but don't need advanced enterprise-level solutions. VMware Workstation includes all the features of VMWare Player—easy virtual machine creation, hardware optimization, driver-less guest OS printing—and adds in the ability to clone machines, take multiple snapshots of the guest OS, and a replay changes made to the guest OS for testing software and recording the results within the virtual machine. You can read more aboutVMware Player here and VMware Workstation here.P

QEMU (Linux, Free)P

SEXPAND

QEMU is a powerful virtualization tool for Linux machines built upon the back of the KVM system (Kernel-based Virtual Machine). QEMU executes guest code directly on the host hardware, can emulate machines across hardware types with dynamic translation, and supports auto-resizing virtual disks. Where QEMU really shines, especially among those who like the push the limits of virtualization and take their virtual machines with them, is running on hosts without administrative privileges. Unlike nearly every emulator out there QEMU does not require admin access to run, making it a perfect candidate for building thumb-drive based portable virtual machines.P

Windows Virtual PC (Windows, Free)P

Compared to the other any-OS-under-the-sun virtual machine applications in this week's Hive Five, Windows Virtual PC is a tame offering. Windows Virtual PC exists solely to emulate other—usually earlier—versions of Windows. If you need to run an app that only works under Windows XP or test software for backwards compatibility with Vista, Windows Virtual Machine has you covered. It's limited, true, but for people working in a strictly Windows environment—and most of the world still is—it gets the job done. Note: Virtual PC is availabls as Virtual PC 2004, Virtual PC 2007, and Windows Virtual PC, use this host and guest OS compatibility chartto figure out which one fits your needs.P

---

Now that you've had a chance to look over the five contender's for Best Virtual Machine Application, it's time to cast a vote for your favorite.P

P

Which Virtual Machine Application Is Best? (Poll Closed)

Parallels  13.1%  (2,940 votes) 

 

VirtualBox  50.28%  (11,288 votes) 

 

QEMU  1.8%  (405 votes) 

 

VMware  30.41%  (6,827 votes) 

 

Windows Virtual PC  3.64%  (818 votes) 

 

Other:  0.76%  (171 votes) 

 

 

Total Votes: 22,449

 

P

Want to share a great feature of your favorite virtual machine app? Let's hear it in the comments. 

Lets try some Zorin

Main advantages

The Zorin OS operating system gives you the ultimate desktop experience. Some of the advantages of Zorin OS:

• No risk of getting viruses
• Much faster than Windows 7
• An easy to use and familiar desktop
• Customizable user interface thanks to Look Changer
• Stable as it is based on the robust Linux operating system
• All the software you'll ever need out of the box
• Extremely versatile and customizable Open Source software
• Available in over 55 languages

Top-notch security

People are in constant fear of viruses and malware in this digital world. Thanks to Zorin OS's immunity to Windows viruses you will never have to worry about them. Zorin OS also comes with integrated firewall software to keep your system extra safe. When a potential security threat arises, software updates usually come within a matter of hours through the Update Manager. With Zorin OS you are sure to have peace of mind.

Easy to use, familiar desktop

The main goal of Zorin OS is to give Windows users easy access to Linux. That is why Zorin OS incorporates the familiar Windows 7-like interface by default to dramatically reduce the learning curve of this system while still experiencing the main advantages of Linux. You can also utilise the desktop with other interfaces. This is thanks to the exclusive Zorin Look Changer which lets you change your desktop to look and act like either Windows 7, Windows XP or GNOME 2 in the free versions of Zorin OS. The Premium versions also include the Windows 2000, Unity and Mac OS X looks.

Out-of-the-box software solution

Zorin OS is packed with software, ready for you to take advantage of. From the versatile LibreOffice suite to the feature-packed OpenShot video editor, it's got it all. Zorin OS is sure to facilitate all of your everyday tasks such as web browsing, document creation, social networking, making videos, chatting with your friends and beyond, all without having to install anything.
We have even split up Zorin OS into seven different versions to facilitate the requirements of various user groups with additional software. Those versions include the free Core version for general use, Lite for use on old and low-spec computers, Educational Lite for use in schools and universities and the premium Business, Multimedia, Gaming and Ultimate versions.

Software Galore

If the pre-installed software isn't enough for your requirements, there is no need to worry about it. Zorin OS comes with the Software Center which allows you to download and install tens of thousands of free and paid-for programs. All you have to do is open the Software Center from the start menu, find a program which you want and click Install. You can even install Windows programs on Zorin OS in a similar way with PlayOnLinux. You are also able to download installable packages (.deb and .exe) like in your current operating system.

Compatibility

Nearly every file that you use with your current operating system will work perfectly in Zorin OS with no need for additional setup. All your office documents, music, videos, pictures etc. will work out of the box in Zorin OS. Zorin OS also supports a large library of devices such as printers, scanners, cameras, keyboards. These devices will work as soon as you plug them in without the need for installing additional drivers. You can even use Windows programs and games inside Zorin OS thanks to the includedWINE and PlayOnLinux software.

Flexibility

Zorin OS gives you more flexibility. It allows you to use Zorin OS alongside your current operating system. While you install Zorin OS to your computer you have the option to keep your current operating system alongside Zorin OS and choose which one to load on start-up.

Accessibility

We want to make computers usable by everyone including disabled people so we have included tools in Zorin OS which make it one of the most accessible operating systems around. It includes such helpful tools as a text to speech program, Orca screen narrator, a screen magnifier for the visually impaired and a dwell click feature for pressing a mouse button automatically.

Zorin Look Changer

The Zorin Look Changer is an innovative program that we have created exclusively for Zorin OS. With the help of the Zorin Look Changer you can make your desktop look and act like either: Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Unity, Mac OS X or GNOME 2 for ultimate ease of use. The Windows 7, Windows XP and GNOME 2 interfaces are available in Zorin OS Core and all of them are available in the Premium versions (Zorin OS Gaming, Multimedia, Business and Ultimate). This new tool gives you more flexibility and makes it easier for you to use your desktop, no matter what operating system you're accustomed to.

Zorin Web Browser Manager

The default web browser in Zorin OS is Google Chrome. For those who want to use other web browsers, we have included our exclusive program called the Zorin Web Browser Manager which makes installing and uninstalling web browsers simple and quick.

Zorin Background Plus

Background Plus gives you a more compelling and advanced desktop in
Zorin OS. You can set a video, audio file or screensaver as your background,
or you can set it to the default "Space" animated background which you can
see in the video on the right. This program is available in all the Premium versions (Gaming, Multimedia, Business and Ultimate) of Zorin OS.

Zorin Theme Changer

In addition to the beautiful Light desktop theme, you can also use the gorgeous Dark theme in Zorin OS. We have created a simple app called the Zorin Theme Changer to switch between the two quickly and easily.

Zorin Splash Screen Manager

The Splash Screen Manager makes it easy to change, install and remove Plymouth splash screen themes in Zorin OS. This program is available in all the Premium versions (Gaming, Multimedia, Business and Ultimate) of Zorin OS.

LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a comprehensive, power-packed Open Source personal productivity suite that comes pre-installed with Zorin OS. The LibreOffice suite includes a word processor, spreadsheet software, a presentation program and a drawing application for all your document production and data processing needs. The LibreOffice suite is compatible with Microsoft Office documents so you will be able to read, edit and create both LibreOffice and Microsoft Office documents.

Google Chrome

Google Chrome is a web browser that aims to build a safer, faster, and more stable way for all Internet users to experience the web. Its most notable features include its lightning fast start-up and page load speeds as well as its simplicity. Google Chrome is designed to keep you safer and more secure on the web with built-in malware and phishing protection. Extensions through the Chrome Web Store give you access to unlimited customizability and functionality.

Thunderbird Mail

Thunderbird Mail provides easy, intuitive email with the protocol support you need for your personal or corporate email needs. Thunderbird Mail is simple and quick to set up and has all the features you need. If you need any additional functionality there are tons of add-ons that you can install with one click.

Music Player

Zorin OS comes with an awesome Music player. With advanced playback options, it's simple to queue up the perfect songs and sync your music collection. And it works great with CDs, phones and other portable music players, so you can enjoy all your music wherever you go. You've got a one-stop music hub in Zorin OS.

GIMP Image Editor

GIMP is the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It has many capabilities. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert quality photo retouching program, an online batch processing system, a mass production image renderer, an image format converter, etc. It's one of the most powerful general-purpose image editors around and is eminently comparable to Photoshop.

OpenShot Video Editor

OpenShot can take your videos, photos and music files and help you create the film you have always dreamed of. OpenShot has many great features, such as trimming and arranging videos, adjusting audio levels, transitions between videos, compositing multiple layers of video, chroma-key / green screen effect, and support of most formats and codecs.

Games

Zorin OS comes with all the software you'll need, including games. The free versions of Zorin OS come with such casual games as Solitaire, Minesweeper, Sudoku, a Tetris-like game, Mahjongg and more (see left).
Both Zorin OS Gaming and Ultimate come with a wide array of games ranging from fast-paced first person shooters to addicting casual games, to racing games and plenty more (see right).

Select Version

Please select which version you wish to get: Zorin OS 8      Zorin OS 6 (LTS)

How To Reset a Windows 7 Password

Follow these easy steps to reset your Windows 7 password:
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Due to the several steps involved, it could take 30 to 60 minutes to reset your Windows 7 password
Applies To: Any edition of Windows 7, including both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Here's How:

1. Insert either your Windows 7 installation DVD, or a Windows 7 System Repair disc, into your optical drive and then restart your computer. If you have either on a flash drive, that'll work too.
   Tip: See How to Boot From a CD, DVD, or BD Disc or How to Boot From a USB Device if you've never booted from portable media before or if you're having trouble doing so.
   Note: If you don't have original Windows 7 media and never got around to making a system repair disc, don't worry. As long as you have access to any other Windows 7 computer (another in your home or a friend's will work fine), you can burn a system repair disc for free. See How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc for a tutorial.
   
2. After your computer boots from the disc or flash drive, click Next on the screen with your language and keyboard choices.
   Tip: Don't see this screen or do you see your typical Windows 7 logon screen? Chances are good that your computer booted from your hard drive (like it normally does) instead of from the disc or flash drive you inserted, which is what you want. See the appropriate link in the tip from Step 1 above for help.
   
3. Click on the Repair your computer link.
   Note: If you booted with a system repair disc instead of a Windows 7 installation disc or flash drive, you won't see this link. Just move on to Step 4 below.
   
4. Wait while your Windows 7 installation is located on your computer.
   
5. Once your installation is found, take note of the drive letter found in the Location column. Most Windows 7 installations will show D: but yours may be different.
   Note: While in Windows, the drive that Windows 7 is installed on is probably labeled as the C: drive. However, when booting from Windows 7 install or repair media, a hidden drive is available that usually isn't. This drive is given the first available drive letter, probably C:, leaving the next available drive letter, probably D:, for the next drive - the one with Windows 7 installed on it.
   
6. Select Windows 7 from the Operating System list and then click the Next button.
   
7. From System Recovery Options, choose Command Prompt.
   
8. With Command Prompt now open, execute the following two commands, in this order:
   

   copy d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe d:\
   

   copy d:\windows\system32\cmd.exe d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
   

   To the Overwrite question after executing the second command, answer with Yes.
   Important: If the drive that Windows 7 is installed on in your computer is not D: (Step 5), be sure to change all instances of d: in the commands above with the correct drive letter.
   
9. Remove the disc or flash drive and then restart your computer.
   You can close the Command Prompt window and click Restart but it's also okay in this situation to restart using your computer's restart button.
   
10. Once the Windows 7 logon screen appears, locate the little icon on the bottom-left of the screen that looks like a pie with a square around it and then click it!
    Tip: If your normal Windows 7 logon screen did not show up, check to see that you removed the disc or flash drive you inserted in Step 1. Your computer may continue to boot from this device instead of your hard drive if you don't remove it.
    
11. Now that Command Prompt is open, execute the net user command as shown, replacing myusername with whatever your user name is and mypassword with whatever new password you'd like to use:
    

    net user myusername mypassword
    

    So, for example, I would do something like this:
    

    net user Tim 1lov3blueberrie$
    

    Tip: If your username has spaces, put double quotes around it when executing net user, as in net user "Tim Fisher" 1lov3blueberrie$.
    
12. Close the Command Prompt window.
    
13. Login with your new password!
    
14. Create a Windows 7 Password Reset Disk! This is the Microsoft-approved, proactive step you should have done a long time ago. All you need is a blank flash drive or floppy disk and you'll never need to worry about forgetting your Windows 7 password again.
    
15. While not required, it would probably be wise to undo the hack that makes this work. If you don't, you won't have access to accessibiily features from the Windows 7 login screen.
    To reverse the changes you've made, repeat Steps 1 through 7 above. When you have access to Command Prompt again, execute the following:
    

    copy d:\utilman.exe d:\windows\system32\utilman.exe
    

    Confirm the overwrite and then restart your computer.
    Important: Undoing this hack will have no impact on your new password. Whatever password you set in Step 11 is still valid.