Ubuntu and Windows 7

MGebhart · April 20, 2012, 06:22:56 PM

Hi,

I have decided to switch to Ubuntu 11.10 Linux as my main OS. I have my PC setup as a triple boot: Ubuntu, Commodore OS (just for fun) and Windows 7.

The problem I was having was a fast, convenient work flow. There are times I need to be in Windows for Zbrush and Terragen which meant rebooting into Windows.

My solution was to install VirtualBox in Ubuntu (Host) and Windows 7 in VB (guest). This works great, after figuring out the best configuration for Windows within VB. Also, duel monitors are a plus.

Just thought if you are tired of Windows and all it's nonsense as your main OS, this seems to be a great alternative.

I provided some screen captures.

Marc

AP · April 20, 2012, 09:27:48 PM

I thought Ubuntu was supposed to read and write NTFS files? I wanted to make the switch myself but if that is not the case i will stick with XP.

MGebhart · April 20, 2012, 09:34:27 PM

ChrisC,

Ubuntu does read NTFS Partitions so you can read and write files. Also, you can run some Windows programs using a application called WINE within Ubuntu without a virtual machine.

http://www.winehq.org/

AP · April 20, 2012, 10:38:58 PM

That is what i thought but i have not had time to research it enough. Thank you. There is hope.

MGebhart · April 22, 2012, 11:13:16 AM

Just for fun I installed Windows 8 Preview in VirtualBox.

Microsoft...you have to be kidding me. The interface looks like a computer screen you would see in Barbie's Playhouse.

This is absolutely redonkulous.

Zairyn Arsyn · April 23, 2012, 11:08:05 AM

Quote from: MGebhart on April 22, 2012, 11:13:16 AM
Just for fun I installed Windows 8 Preview in VirtualBox.

Microsoft...you have to be kidding me. The interface looks like a computer screen you would see in Barbie's Playhouse.

This is absolutely redonkulous.

yup, i agree - i'll stick Win7 ultimate for my TG2 & other modeling applications.

masonspappy · April 23, 2012, 07:32:09 PM

Quote from: MGebhart on April 20, 2012, 06:22:56 PM
... I have my PC setup as a triple boot: Ubuntu, Commodore OS (just for fun) ...

Commodore!
A real man's OS! It coulda been a contender....

chris_x422 · April 24, 2012, 08:18:58 AM

Hi Marc,

Thanks for posting all the info, looks interesting.

Can I ask,

Are you running a 64bit version of windows?
Are there any performance issues/slowdowns.
Do apps utilise full memory allocations? threads and hyperthreading?
Is it easy to address an windows app, through a linux command line, for network rendering for instance?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm not in a position to test any of this myself as I'm on much needed holiday right now, so am away from my machine. But I'm very curious about any info you could give.

Thanks

Chris

MGebhart · April 24, 2012, 11:47:50 AM

Hi Chris,

I'm running 32bit version of Windows. I loaded Vista 32bit first then Windows 7 update. I choose to load 64bit when I updated but it loaded 32bit. Not sure what happened there.

VirtualBox has it's own hardware definitions so, it uses a generic video driver and other hardware generics.

You can allocate as mush memory up to the max you have on you pc. However, the Host machine requires memory as well so, as an example, I have 8 gib and allocated 4gib to Windows virtual machine. You can bump up the video ram only up to 256mb.

Applications run fine but there is a performance hit. You will notice this in Terragen when your projects are rather large.

Yes, you can use network rendering which is setup within Windows like you normally do. You will also setup a network so Ubuntu and Windows can exchange files.

You can configure the number of processors within VirtualBox that Windows can access.

Here is a link to guide you through an install of Windows under Ubuntu. I found this article helpful.

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/virtually-windows-8-how-to-set-up-the-consumer-preview-in-virtualbox/70330

These links are for loading Windows 7.

http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-7-on-virtualbox/

http://nachiket.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/how-to-install-windows-7-on-virtualbox/

Hope this helps.

Again, Just use Windows if your in a production environment. I would not recommend running Windows in VirtualBox for critical work.

Most folks use VirtualBox to test beta applications and beta operating systems.

chris_x422 · April 25, 2012, 06:02:26 AM

Thanks for that Marc.

It's good to know its at least feasible, if not obviously the best production platform.
I can only make recomendactions, and I know that our head of tech has long term plans to implement a windows network running alongside linux, but that's likely to take some time, hence I'm looking at short term solutions that will help bridge the gap without breaking the bank.

Thanks again

Chris