Most people who are curious about computers at some point decide to try out different operating systems. Sometimes it’s for fun and other times it’s for checking out the hype for yourself. I am one of the curious ones. I decided to try out Ubuntu Linux and also create a procedure so that others may try out Ubuntu.

What is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is a free Linux Operating System with all the bells and whistles of any standard operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS. The Ubuntu Desktop Edition is geared towards the typical home user and it covers the basic needs of any computer user. This guide is meant for the typical home user to install and run Ubuntu on a Virtual Machine without changing or overwriting the existing Operating System.

From Ubuntu site …. Ubuntu is a community developed, linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more.

Video Procedure
This video procedure covers all aspects of installing a Ubuntu Virtual Machine. If you prefer text instructions are provided below the video.

How To Intall Ubuntu Desktop 7.10 On VMware - The best video clips are right here

Getting Ubuntu
Ubuntu distribution can be downloaded for free from the downloads page. Or you can request free cd’s from Ubuntu ShipIt.

Getting VMware Server
The following procedure shows how to build a Ubuntu virtual machine.

• Download VMware server
• Register with VMware to get registration keys. This is required as without the registration keys you will not be able to create a virtual machine.
• Install VMware Server - simply double click on the executable and accept all the defaults for best performance.

Install Ubuntu on VMware

• Launch VMware Server and Connect To Localhost
• To create a virtual machine click on the New Virtual Machine link and choose Ubuntu from the predefined list.
• VMware will take a significant amount of time to create the disk which will act as the hard drive for the guest OS.
• When disk is created you will have the option to specify where the guest OS will be installed from - a physical CD drive or an .ISO image
• When you have put in the Guest OS CD in the drive or specified the location of ISO image Power-On the virtual machine
• You will see a console screen where the Guest OS is being installed. Click inside the window to control it - press Ctrl + Alt to release cursor from the console screen.
• Once installed power down the guest OS and remove the CD or ISO image and restart the virtual machine and enjoy the benefits.

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