VMware and Linux

[Absolutionzz]

I wanted to try out Linux so I went and made a VMware version of it, after installing the VMware tools package I powered off the system for a quick restart, and after that it just totally froze. I can't even open/edit it's folder inside of VMware now. any ideas?

 

[Mr5oh]

Im not sure what you did, but many Linux distros can be booted from a CD or USB, not sure why you use vmware?

 

[Absolutionzz]

Because I just wanted to get a feel for the system without having to mess around with my SSD plugs. That and I can experiment with commands on whatnot more easily, for me anyways.

 

[Mr5oh]

I responded in your other thread, about that. Still there is no reason not to just boot from a USB drive.

Download Mint Cinnamon here. I would choose with Codecs.

Use unetbootin to put that ISO on a USB drive, then boot from that USB drive. Or burn the ISO to a DVD, doesn't matter. You can still issue any command you want, you can still install anything you want, just things you install / save won't be actually saved. However you still get to mess around with everything, it's just like be installed, just slightly slower.

 

[boosted1g]

You can run Linux direct from usb or cd and not need to install it on your hard drives period, no vm required.

 

[Absolutionzz]

I responded in your other thread, about that. Still there is no reason not to just boot from a USB drive.

Download Mint Cinnamon here. I would choose with Codecs.

Use unetbootin to put that ISO on a USB drive, then boot from that USB drive. Or burn the ISO to a DVD, doesn't matter. You can still issue any command you want, you can still install anything you want, just things you install / save won't be actually saved. However you still get to mess around with everything, it's just like be installed, just slightly slower.

Okay, one question though, will I still need to unplug my drive with Windows installed? I noticed some people saying that I should do that, and quite frankly getting to my SSD drives is really difficult right now (long story short, cable mess in the case).

 

[Mr5oh]

Why would you unplug the windows drive? No do not do this there is absolutely zero valid reasons to unplug anything.

If you are going to install Linux you want the windows drive hooked up so Linux will "see" the Windows drive and correctly setup the Grub / boot menu.

In Linux you can access and modify files on your windows drive as well if you need anything.

 

[Mr5oh]

Just as I mentioned in your other thread, if you install make sure you install Linux AND the bootloader to the same drive. Do not write anything to your windows drive that way you can always go back without any problems.

 

[McHenryB]

I have to disagree with the other posters here. A VM is the safest way to try out a new OS. It means there is absolutely no chance of corrupting existing installations and data.

As to your actual question, what you describe is most unusual. I would try the VM creation process again.

 

[dmroeder]

I'm with McHenryB, VMWare or VirtualBox is a great way to try it. I do this on my work machine, that way I can have my Windows stuff running along side Linux. I think the best thing about doing it in a VM is that you don't have to worry about any hardware compatibility issues the first time you use it. I think a lot of people are immediately turned off by Linux because they install it, then it won't boot because of some graphics problem or something like that. They just go: yep, Linux still sux.

I can think of a valid reason for unplugging the Windows drive, so he doesn't accidentally install to it. Think about it, if he has 2 SSD's of the same brand and size, you could easily pick the wrong one during the installation. Even if they are different, one wrong click and your Windows drive is hosed. I have a OS drive and data drive, when I install an OS, I unplug my data drive. Cheap insurance for the times I'm a 6 pack down and click the wrong thing.