virtualizing...

[bogstad-e+AXbWqSrlAAvxtiuMwx3w at public.gmane.org (Bill Bogstad)]

On Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 8:55 AM, Stephen Adler <adler-wRvlPVLobi1/31tCrMuHxg at public.gmane.org> wrote:
> Guys,
>
> I'm thinking I may take on virtualization as my holiday hobby. But
> before I do, I was wondering if the following concept actually applies
> to the linux zen kernels.

I assume you actually mean Xen.

>
> Can I have linux and windows running virtually, on my desktop, and
> through some hot key, switch between then, console and all? In other
> words, say I'm running Linux in full desktop mode, with gnome running
> and icons on my desktop splashed across my dual monitor setup. Then by
> typing I dunno F12 or what ever, it switches to a windows desktop, where
> windows explorer now controls my dual monitor desktop and windows icons
> are splashed cross my dual monitor setup?

It depends.  Since Microsoft doesn't support Xen paravirtualization,
you have to use full virtualization.
Xen only supports this on CPUs which have some hardware support for
virtualization.
Not all AMD or Intel CPUs do.  See this random  web link for some more
info on this subject:

http://bobcares.com/index.php/blog/?p=121

Bottom Line:  On the wrong CPU you can't use Xen at all to run Windows...

Bill Bogstad