Windows 7 update

Got some time to install windows 7 on Ubuntu 8.04 using xVM virtual machine from sun; as a matter of fact the installation was trouble free and everything went very well with the first installation. Unlike my experience with xVM on windows which I had to do a number of times before I could get it running. Still the windows host is giving me start up issues.

• USB connectivity is fine in the guest operating system, I could access data from my 2.5″ external hard drive without any problems.
• Installed my HP 1012 printer easily again no problems.
• Installed Markbook 2008 and works fine
• Something that does not work too well in the virtual machine is the windows audio it crackles. I think it may be a driver issue, should play around with it to see if it can be changed.

Windows experience index for the virtual machine are as follows.
Processor            3.9
RAM                    3.9
Graphics              1.0
Gaming graphics  1.0
Primary hard disk 5.9
Mind you the video ram was 64 MB and 3D acceleration was not turned on.
So far both xVM 2.1.2 and Windows 7 are working fine and doing things as they should.

USB in Virtual Machine

Insert your usb key  after firing up your virtual machine 2.06.
You will see the the “Found new hard ware pop up”
Click not this time
highlight “Install software automatically recommended”
The software that your are installing is not verified by windows will pop up
Hit continue any way
The wizard has installed software for your virtual machine pop’s up and you are all done.
Hit finish
Unplug your usb and plug it in again.
You should be able to see your usb mounted on the desktop.

This worked for me.

Windows XP home is the host

Ubuntu 8.04 is the guest OS

Markbook in Ubuntu

Markbook in ubuntu
One of the reasons that I still have windows on my computer is because I have to use some software needed for my work. Markbook is one of them.
A work around for this was needed, so I installed Sun xVM Virtual box, installed guest services and I am able to run all of my needed software in the virtual machine while booted into ubuntu.
However these are my concerns
1. Usb does not work as it should, but it can be mounted as an external drive.
2. On installing programs and taking a snapshot helped me in keeping an updated version of my image however on repeated booting it shows errors an have to revert to original snapshot and then I have lost all installed programs

So I am still testing its stability and realibility
What I like about the whole program is.
1. Easy installation
2. Guest service is easily installable and integrates well
3. Sharing folders between host and guest is a breeze

I tried VMWare player but found it difficult install VM ware tools in the player and as you know it not worth the trouble without the tools.