Multiple OS Computing with QEMU

Portable computing with your customized desktop and applications.

QEMU: is a software package that functions as either a virtualizer or "machine emulator."

As a virtualizer for x86 based computers, it executes a guest program directly in the host CPU. How? QEMU uses a driver to translate between the host processor and the guest software, and it is very fast, operating at near native speeds. When functioning as a machine emulator, QEMU uses "dynamic translation" to run a guest operating system application on the host computer. To use it, download and install the latest version, and configure it to use either a guest image on an optical disc, flash, or hard drive.

For usage on a Windows host, a good GUI such as QEMU Manager simplifies and organizes QEMU tasks. In Linux, there is KQUEMU.

What are people doing with QEMU? There are numerous varieties of intertwined operating systems, where people are combining the best applications for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. Have a look at the list, on Pendrivelinux.com, of virtualized Linux systems that run within Windows without the need to reboot.

Of particular importance is the fact that QEMU can be used for operating a specialized version of an operating system, with unique desktop settings, software packages, hardware drivers, etc. Placed on portable media, such as DVD or USB flash memory, such a system provides great versatility. and is simple to reproduce in large numbers.

Imagine the kinds of specialized distros one apply in the amateur radio service. A system pre-configured for multple digital modes, software defined radio, D-Star, and other data handling utilities could be issued by an organization, distributed in the field, and used in communications events (emergencies, dxpeditions, field day, etc).

It may be a bit presumptuous to assert that QEMU is the most flexible and advanced of the operating system virtualization packages, but it does what it does very well due to its focused efficient dynamic translation. Byte for byte of resource usage, it is a top performer for operating in a multiple operating system environment. Never will someone with QEMU, a flash memory stick, and widely diverse software lack for a way to compute unimpeded.

Windows XP within Windows Vista.

Windows XP within Solaris.