Create a virtual machine using VirtualBox

Virtual Box is a powerful open source x86 virtualization that runs on Windows, Linux, Mac and OpenSolaris. It supports a large number of guest operating systems such as Windows XP, Windows 7 RC, Ubuntu, Debian, SUSE, Fedora, and Red Hat. VirtualBox is free as well as many linux distributions. So if you haven’t tried any, I’d recommend you doing so.

In simpler terms, Virtual Box allows you to run another OS on top of your currently existing one. If you wanted to try installing an OS without the hassle of dual-booting, or even wanted to install another OS to do some programming since maybe Windows isn’t the best for you, then virtualiziation is one way to go. There is also no way you can harm your computer so its risk-free. If you corrupt a guest OS, simply delete it and try again.

VirtualBox Features

• Guest Additions for Windows, Linux, and Solaris – Allows you to install software inside the OS that improves performance. Just recently the guest additions allowed users running Ubuntu to run the Visual Effects, which is nice.
• Shared folders – Access folders from the host in the guest machines

Virtual USB Controllers – Connect a USB device and your virtual machine will recognize it, including USB Flash Drives.

For more features visit Virtual Box Features.

How to start

If you want to start, simply download Virtual Box and an OS. I’d recommend Ubuntu since thats probably the most user friendly (or so I think). If you want something else, hit up DistroWatch. Once you have that, setting up Virtual Box with the OS is pretty straightforward. I’ll add a tutorial later on for those who still need help.
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Mac OS X only: A popular alternative to Mac’s iChat is multiclient Adium. Supporting AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo! Messenger, Bonjour, MySpace, Facebook, amongst others Adium is has all the goodies in the bag.

Adium’s Features

First of all Adium is Open Source allowing anyone to contribute. It has a slick UI with tabbed chats that simply look good. Also contains an extensive system notification with the ability to download custom themes as well.

Adium Impressions

If you are looking for a multiclient instant messenger, Adium is something you have to check out. I’ve been using it since I found out about it and haven’t stopped using it ever since. It’s user friendly, intuitive, and stylish. So what are you waiting for if you haven’t tried it out yet?
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DExposE2 Reloaded allows you to expose your windows currently running similar to how it’s done on a Mac. Best of all, this software is free and RAM friendly. So if you are looking for a Mac OS-X style task switcher for Windows, this is as close as it gets!

Features of DExposE2 Reloaded

• Portable Version
• Interaction with previews
• Hotcorners and Hotkey support
• Window previews are clear
• Desktop shown in background
• Multimonitor Support

For a complete set of features go toDExposE2 Reloaded Features.

Remarks on DExposE2

So far its great for users who want more eye candy and want to use your PC with style. I currently use it on my laptop and haven’t found a reason to remove it. You should try it out. It’s very fast and doesn’t use a lot of resources.

Download DExposE2.

DExposE2 in action

Do you know of any software as this one? Tell us about it!