> What is Plex86?
Plex86 is an open source (GPL, I think) alternative to VMWare. From the
website (www.plex86.org):
"The goal of the Plex86 project is to create an extensible open source PC
virtualization software program which will allow PC and workstation users to
run multiple operating systems concurrently on the same machine.
Plex86 will run as much of the operating system and application software
natively as possible, the rest being emulated by the PC virtualization
monitor.
A highly visible and often requested use, would be to allow for Windows
software to be run inside of GNU/Linux or other UNIX like operating system.
This gives users a migration path towards UNIX, allowing them to run legacy
software until native ports or alternatives are available. It also provides
a transitionary step for software vendors who plan to port their product to
UNIX, but have not yet done so. Users could buy the Windows version product
and run it at near native speeds on UNIX, using Plex86, until a UNIX native
version is ready.
By virtue of Plex86 being an open source project right from day one, Plex86
can also be an extremely useful tool for operating systems development,
debugging, instrumentation and profiling. Many compile and run time options
can be added, such that more control of the software being run inside the
Plex86 environment can be offered to an OS developer, for instance. This
will provide much more flexibility and control than is offered in a
commercial product where you do not have access to the source code, such as
VMware. "
The project is still in a pre-release stage. Just a few weeks ago, they
succeeded in booting Linux within Plex86.
Cheers,
Roel Schroeven
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