KVM and Xen

[Mike Chalmers]

On 12/30/06, Dave Sampson <samper.d at gmail.com> wrote:
> Mike,
>
> Sorry for the mixup... KVM's are used to switch between multiple
> physical computers... for instance I have a laptop and three towers.
> These are all stand alone machines that use the KVM so I don't need 4
> monitors, 4 mice and 4 keyboards.
>
> Xen on the otherhand lets you run multiple Virtual machines.... that is
> you would use FEDORA as your main operating system and Xen would allow
> you to have virtual machines. The Windows equivalent would be VMware to
> create virtual machines.
>
> If you have one box (ie computer) and you want to run multiple operating
> systems two main choices to consider would be
> 1. as you pointed out Xen. But you should have a workhorse of a computer
> to do that. Think of what the minimum requirements for XP and Fedora are
> and add those requirements together than add 10%... that is how I would
> think about it. Xen is a convenient way to run multiple operating
> systems but not the most effecient. Virtual machines (such as created
> through Xen) are bloated as you require the whole operating system (as
> aposed to option 3). Virtual machines are often used by windows
> developers and programers. if something messes up then they just close
> the virtual machine instead of rebooting. I find it funny how window
> developers use linux boxes to increase their productivity.
>
> 2. Do some research into using GRUB to setup a dual boot system so you
> have a Fedora Partition and an XP partition. This means the system
> resources are alocated sepratedly, but only one OS can run at a time. to
> switch OS's means a reboot.
>
> 3. If you want to run Windows applications inside Linux then think of
> researching Linux WINE... or take a look at Crossover office. these are
> options to run your favourite windows application in a linux
> enviornment. WINE is a runtime environment that clones windows and some
> of its libraries. So fo instance you have a good copy of Adobe
> photoshop, or dreamweaver or office XP, then WINE is your ticket to
> using those. A virtual machine is verry bloated.
>
> Mike... ask yourself what you need to run two OS's for... I came from a
> full MS background and the only Windows thing I am still tied to is a
> driver for my wireless card. As a digital photographer,professional
> geographer, ski instructor and tech junkie I have found everything I
> need in the open source realm. Think these decisions out carefully.
>
> Cheers
>
>
> Mike Chalmers wrote:
> > On 12/30/06, Dave Sampson <samper.d at gmail.com> wrote:
> >> KVM
> >>
> >> A switck between computers but able to use one (K)eyboard (V)ideo and
> >> (M)ouse
> >>
> >> For my setup between 4 computers I have one PS2 keyboard, one usb mouse
> >> with ps2 adapter... and one monitor with SVGA
> >>
> >> they all plu into a BOX... then when I double tap SCROLL LOCK followed
> >> by numbers 1 through 4 I can switch between computers.  For $20 I use a
> >> generic brand that came with all the necessary cables and powers off os
> >> ps2 ports. there is also a mnaul botton that I can use if keyboard
> >> freezes.
> >>
> >> Linux gets a little fritzy sometimes when I do a lot of switching and
> >> moving around. the fix is a simple re-plug of keyboard usualy or mouse
> >> if its realy bad.
> >>
> >> This is a good setup if you are experimenting with several boxes or
> >> fixing computers or just a geek.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> if you are networking there is a network version you can use put out by
> >> the people at realVNC.
> >>
> >> Does that answer your question.
> >>
> >>
> >> Mike Chalmers wrote:
> >> > I was wondering if anyone new about these and would explain them to
> >> > me? Thanks.
> >> >
> >>
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> >>
> >
> > You see I need to be able to run Windows so I could use certain pieces
> > of software. That sounds very easy just being able to press scroll
> > lock and then change to another OS, I think that is what you are
> > saying?
> >
> > Could I run Windows while using Linux using KVM or should I use Xen?
> > Which is faster? Is there a way to install either using yum? How do
> > they work?
> >
>
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I already have a dual boot setup. The reason I need Windows is because
I play games and use music software. I have tried Wine Hq with no
luck. I think I am going to try a virtual machine and try running
Windows through it.

Would you all recommend Xen or QEMU? Does a P4 3.0 ghz 800 mhz HT support KVM?

Thank you all for the help.