Is Cygwin the easiest way to learn about UNIX/LINUX without dual-booting Linux on Windows Machine?
2014-04
hagubear
As the title suggests, I have installed cygwin on my Windows machine in order to try and learn about UNIX shells and kernels, and how to interact with them. I know that it is pseudo UNIX/LINUX as the actual host is Windows, but is it the best way to learn about UNIX/Linux systems?
My aspiration (which is going to be affected by the answers) is to make sure that I master the UNIX/LINUX file system commands and scripting.
Ash
What are the best options that allow running a Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu inside Windows XP, i.e. within a window?
By "best" I mean quick startup time, low memory requirement, good graphical performance, easy access to the main (host) Windows XP file system.
I know about Wubi and standard Ubuntu with the dual boot capability, but I'd prefer to be able to switch from XP to Linux without a reboot. I know the Linux experience may not be ideal this way, but it would be pefectly good for my needs.
I've downloaded VirtualBox and the latest Ubuntu and will try the virtual machine approach; however are there any specifically customised Linux versions for this purpose?
I think this would be a great way for people new to Linux to get used to the OS while still having the "safety net" of Windows.
Artur Carvalho
Maybe this will help you: Portable Ubuntu Remix
wazoox
There is Colinux that allows you to run Linux in Windows without virtualization, in a sort of "user mode".
Dennis Williamson
From the Cygwin web site:
What is Cygwin?
Cygwin is a Linux-like environment for Windows. It consists of two parts:
A DLL (cygwin1.dll) which acts as a Linux API emulation layer providing substantial Linux API functionality.
A collection of tools which provide Linux look and feel. The Cygwin DLL currently works with all recent, commercially released x86 32 bit and 64 bit versions of Windows, with the exception of Windows CE.
Note that the official support for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me will be discontinued with the next major version (1.7.0) of Cygwin, which is in beta testing right now.
What Isn't Cygwin?
Cygwin is not a way to run native linux apps on Windows. You have to rebuild your application from source if you want it to run on Windows.
Cygwin is not a way to magically make native Windows apps aware of UNIX ® functionality, like signals, ptys, etc. Again, you need to build your apps from source if you want to take advantage of Cygwin functionality.
David Pearce
What you are after is virtualization, such as VMWare or, like you said, VirtualBox. These allow you to run any guest operating system within a host operating system, inside a window, just like you are after.
If you set the virtual machine to suspend (or 'save state') every time you are finished with it, you can have 'boot times' of something like 15 seconds.
VMWare and VirtualBox are probably the most reputable cross-platform virtual machine offerings (that are 'consumer friendly'). You could always give Xen a go, which is more for servers, instead of desktops PCs. Here is a guide on installing Windows XP on a Xen VM
Tim Büthe
There is andLinux what is a extension to coLinux and runs a complete Ubuntu. There a virtual Machines like VirtualBox and vmware and last but not least, I'd like to mention the Live CD feature which is supported by most distributions these days.
Eliram
I'm currently using virtualBox. Free, and works nicely.
setatakahashi
You can try VMware Server to install on your Windows and run Linux or other operating systems. Or you can also try Virtual PC which is what Microsoft will use to provide Windows XP Mode on Windows 7.
nik
I switch between Windows and a USB Booting Linux.
Sometimes keep the Windows in hibernate and do this.
However, the boot partition will not be accessible from linux this way.
Have found the Ubuntu install very smooth and comfortable for this activity.
8088
Get a virtual server with a Linux distro. Install the desktop package and FreeNX server. Although you cannot physically see the screen you can log in absolutely fine with the No Machine NX client from any PC and get to your Linux desktop instantly. You can also share your Windows drive across the network this way to work on the same files.
I too have a netbook and it can get a bit 'lumpy' when running VirtualBox machines. I've never had this problem with NX client/server.
I know this answer is not what you are expecting - but try it. Chances are that your virtual server is quicker at uploading/downloading than your own machine is, so, even though the machine is not local it is a lot more responsive. The programs that are rubbish with this technique are things like running video in a browser on the remote machine, but you would be doing that locally anyway.