There are various ways of achieving our purpose. Firstly we need to choose our OS to boot UNIX.
1. DSL – DAMN SMALL LINUX
DSL is a compressed and compact version
of Linux and is called “Damn Small Linux” for the same. The OS has only
required basic features and is a great way to start.The download-able
iso file is of 50Mb and can be downloaded from here -> Download DSL
2. U-LITE – UBUNTU LITE
Ubuntu is a full-fledged Linux
distribution that provides all the tools you’ve come to expect from a
desktop operating system, including a web browser, office suite,
communication and security features, and the ability to run thousands of
third party apps. But like Windows, OS X, or any other desktop
operating system, it can take a minute or longer to boot, depending on
your hardware.
It’s greatest feature is it’s size and lightening fast boot time. The iso image and instruction manual can be found here -> U-Lite
The next step is to install and boot these iso files. This can be done either using virtual box or UNetbootin.
a. Virtual Box
Developed by ORACLE, the software is used to create a virtual machine on any system. This means you can run Unix OS within windows 7 and XP or any other OS directly without the need for any installation. Files can be downloaded from here -> Virtual Box
The virtual box is a great utility when
it comes to running multiple OS’s without the headache of partitioning,
formatting and installing. You just need to specify the requisite hard
disk space, RAM and video memory for running the required OS. You can
run any of the specified OS’s.
Remember you must have enough minimum memory to run both the OS’s.b. UNetbootin
UNetbootin is a live USB creation tool
that can be used to create a Live Linux USB flash drive from an ISO.
Many Linux distributions are supported out of the box with custom
install options available for Linux distributions that are not. It is
important to mention that Live Linux USB flash drives created with this
tool, do not currently utilize a persistence feature. The resulting USB
Linux install will function just as it does from a CD. By default you
will not be able to save and restore your changes.
I prefer using DSL here as micro ubuntu
might not be available. Also previous versions of ubuntu can be
downloaded which consume less hard drive space.
UNetbootin instruction manual can be found here -> UNetbootinSo it finally saves time and resources. CHEERS!!!
