[dba-Tech] Cross Posted - What to use to create a virtual machine with linux

[Jim Lawrence]

Hi Paul:

That is a massive subject. I like you, but in my case, more than ten years ago, I started looking at Linux. The revelation came when I realized that the further I got away from the Desktop and started supporting the corporate, scientific, startup communities, it is a Linux (UNIX) world. From then on I have never looked back.

This is not to say I do not like Microsoft but I am just no longer one of the fanboz. IMHO, in a decade or so, Windows will just be another Distro on top of a Linux core. I could go into great lengths as why this event is the future but...

The thought that I can download for free, a computer system that runs the most powerful computers on the planet and run it on my desktop has always delighted me.

If you wish to run Linux from within a VD, on your computer, no problem. Both VirtualBox and VMWare fully support all versions of Linux (After all they are both written on top of core Linux) or you could run it on a Microsoft Hyper-V server (its free...and of course written on/from core Linux). Just download the ISOs and install them in an instance on the VD of your choice.

If you want to learn more about Linux, checkout the following: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution 
The graphic on the right side of the page is staggering...and also may be confusing because there are is so many specialty versions of Linux and there are more every day. Check out: https://distrowatch.com/. It's like a bubbling cauldron, the list just keeps changing every day.

That all said, the most popular non-linux user friendly distros out there today are;
1. Linux Mint at: https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php
2. Ubuntu 16.10 at: http://releases.ubuntu.com/16.10/
3. Mate Ubuntu 16.10: https://ubuntu-mate.org/download/

These versions, come in 32bit or 64bit, have a number of graphical desktop displays, if so desired, all have a whole raft of preloaded software, can run every application you mentioned. If you wish to migrate all your personal Microsoft products to Linux, the simple software layer called WINE or WINES's big brother CrossOver: https://www.codeweavers.com/ can fill the bill. I have never run CrossOver as WINE tends to be good enough as it runs all my Microsoft and Adobe programs just fine...MS Access just works, though of course, it has to be installed, just like you would on a Windows box. 

I posted an article a week ago, about a developer, who having spent his career developing on a Windows platform decided on a whim to migrate to Linux. It took him a couple of days to get everything he needed up and running but now he is there: http://bit.ly/2eJKLsv

I would have limited the verbiage but you asked very complex questions and a yes or no response just doesn't suffice. If you need any further help post here and I am sure there will be plenty of experts and even myself, to help you.

Jim

----- Original Message -----
From: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" databaseadvisors.com>
To: "Discussion of Hardware and Software issues" databaseadvisors.com>, "Access Developers discussion and problem solving" <accessd at databaseadvisors.com>
Cc: "Paul Hartland" <paul.hartland at googlemail.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 30, 2016 8:40:42 AM
Subject: [dba-Tech] Cross Posted - What to use to create a virtual machine with linux

To all,

I have always been a windows user, only ever dabbling with unix/linux for a
short while years back when on a C programming course.  However I hear more
and more about linux and would like to have a look especially as I am
thinking of starting my own business next year when I get some inheritence
come through, so would like to get used to both systems etc, I am also
currently teaching myself other languages such as C#, HTML/HTML5/CSS,
ASP.net and also topping up my VB.net knowledge....Then I plan on learning
PHP, Python, Ruby and R but anyway I am drifting off topic in my
dreamworld.....

So basically could anyone tell me the best way to create a virtual machine
(so many options on the web) and what version of linux is the best to work
with.

Many many thanks in advance for any help on this.

-- 
Paul Hartland
paul.hartland at googlemail.com
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