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Virtual PC FAQ's
 What is Virtual PC?
 Virtual PC allows you to
install and run another operating system from within your existing operating
system. After installing Virtual PC you run it and install an operating system
within it using shared resources from your existing system. When the virtual
machine is running you can install any software that would run on that operating
system. Virtual PC is a good thing for testing new software without modifying
your current system. Be aware that using it will take memory and disk space
which may affect your primary operating system.
Where do I get it and how
much does it cost?
Virtual PC 2007 is
available from Microsoft as a
free download.
I understand that Windows
7 has a built in Virtual mode. How do I get it?
Windows 7 has a virtual
XP mode compatibility capability which is designed to allow programs and
hardware to work that function in XP but not in Windows 7. This capability is
available if your computer meets certain requirements. First you must be using
Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate. Secondly you must have a CPU
with built in virtualization technology. Not all CPU's, even recent ones, have
this technology built in. You can test your system by using the tool which is
available
here. If your system is compatible it may have the virtualization technology
turned off in the BIOS. Go to the BIOS setup (available by hitting the correct
key when your computer first starts) and turn on the feature. Now you are ready
to use the XP mode If your system meets all of the requirements for
virtualization you can download it
here.
If your system does not meet all of the requirements you can still download and
use Virtual PC 2007 as above it is just not as convenient to use.
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