Want to try Linux in Windows?

FrankO · 17. Apr 2009, 09:00 AM

I have been looking for an easy way to integrate linux software in Windows. I started with a virtual machine and Ubuntu, but transferring files from the VM to Windows turned out to be too tricky to be worthwhile.

I then used Cygwin for quite some time and was happy with it, but it takes quite some time to set up and the packages are sometimes quite old. Nevertheless, it let me use Xfig and Octave, which was what I needed it for.

However, recently two new programs have come to my attention (both are based on coLinux). andLinux is the first I tried. It is based on Kubuntu and integrates very neatly with Windows (I use XP Pro SP3) and could be updated from any Ubuntu repository. This means you can install any Ubuntu-compatible package you wish and keep it updated.

The version I now use is Portable Ubuntu. The advantage here is that the installer sets up a portable distribution, which may then be copied onto a flash disk or to another computer without further installation required. Once running, you have a small floating task bar from which you can launch the installed packages. If something irreparably breaks, you simply delete the folder and start again. It is important to create a larger disk image though. Simply compare and follow the instructions at Draptik's blog and at the documentation at the software's homepage. Once that is done, you can upgrade your Portable Ubuntu to v8.10 (or 9.04 next week) or install all the packages you wish. You can access your C: drive via /mnt/C/. If anyone can figure out how to add additional drives, please post the solution here.

FrankO · 19. Apr 2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankO

If anyone can figure out how to add additional drives, please post the solution here.

Draptik has posted a solution to this problem.

wdhpr · 19. Apr 2009, 10:25 PM

It works too

Its about 450 megs to download. installed to 1.8 gigs. I installed to my USB stick. Although not exactly portable because it relies on external drivers.
It will launch off my usb stick if I use explorer and launch via the .bat file.
Very slick and a great way to check out linux. I still can't use my Lexmark printer. Mepis thinks my lexmark is a paper weight as well.

Cheers
Wdhpr

View Poll Results: How do you use Linux?
I will use Linux in Windows	1	11.11%
I will use this to test Linux	1	11.11%
I will rather go the dual-boot route	4	44.44%
I only use Linux	0	0%
I only use Windows	3	33.33%
I wish they would use another Linux distribution, I don't like Ubuntu	0	0%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 9. You may not vote on this poll

17. Apr 2009, 09:00 AM	#1 (permalink)
FrankO Foundation Editor Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 277	Want to try Linux in Windows? I have been looking for an easy way to integrate linux software in Windows. I started with a virtual machine and Ubuntu, but transferring files from the VM to Windows turned out to be too tricky to be worthwhile. I then used Cygwin for quite some time and was happy with it, but it takes quite some time to set up and the packages are sometimes quite old. Nevertheless, it let me use Xfig and Octave, which was what I needed it for. However, recently two new programs have come to my attention (both are based on coLinux). andLinux is the first I tried. It is based on Kubuntu and integrates very neatly with Windows (I use XP Pro SP3) and could be updated from any Ubuntu repository. This means you can install any Ubuntu-compatible package you wish and keep it updated. The version I now use is Portable Ubuntu. The advantage here is that the installer sets up a portable distribution, which may then be copied onto a flash disk or to another computer without further installation required. Once running, you have a small floating task bar from which you can launch the installed packages. If something irreparably breaks, you simply delete the folder and start again. It is important to create a larger disk image though. Simply compare and follow the instructions at Draptik's blog and at the documentation at the software's homepage. Once that is done, you can upgrade your Portable Ubuntu to v8.10 (or 9.04 next week) or install all the packages you wish. You can access your C: drive via /mnt/C/. If anyone can figure out how to add additional drives, please post the solution here. __________________ Frank

19. Apr 2009, 10:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
wdhpr Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The north Coast Posts: 1,117	Great Post It works too Its about 450 megs to download. installed to 1.8 gigs. I installed to my USB stick. Although not exactly portable because it relies on external drivers. It will launch off my usb stick if I use explorer and launch via the .bat file. Very slick and a great way to check out linux. I still can't use my Lexmark printer. Mepis thinks my lexmark is a paper weight as well. Cheers Wdhpr

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