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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ML is a functional programming language. Features include type inference, first class functions, garbage collection, pattern matching, parametric polymorphism, static typing, exception handling, call-by-value evaluation strategy, and algebraic data types. – Source

Examples of functions in ML

Below are examples to get you familiar in ML. Syntax and how the language works will be explained in later tutorials.

How to start Programming in ML

The Standard ML of New Jersey provides an interactive compiler for Windows, Linux, amongst others. SML/NJ distribution files are available freely to download.

Install SML/NJ in Windows

Simply download the appropriate windows installer at SML/NJ distribution files. After downloading, simply install the files with the installer, restart your computer, and the program is available to run from then on.

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!

Ever since I acquired Launchy, I’ve been using my mouse even less, and I haven’t visited the Start Menu in the longest time!

Launchy makes opening applications fast!

Launchy is a free Window and Linux utility designed to make you forget about your start menu or desktop and does a good job about it! By default, Launchy displays over all your applications with a press of ALT-SpaceBar, then allows you to start typing in the application you want to open, and Launchy will start firing up suggestions, once you nail the right app, press enter and it opens! See why you never have to visit your Start Menu ever again?

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to install Ubuntu so you may have an option to dual-boot. In other words, when you boot up your computer, you’ll be given an option whether to use Ubuntu or Windows.

1. First download Ubuntu. Wait? What is Ubuntu? Check it out here at Linux Distribution Ubuntu.
2. Burn the ISO onto the cd.
3. Back up your hard drive! This is a must! I’ve seen people reformat their computers when missing a step in the process!
4. Place your Ubuntu cd in your cd-drive and restart your computer.

Installing Ubuntu

5. On the following screen choose Install Ubuntu. If you really want, you can Try Ubuntu without any change to your computer so you can test it out and see if you like it. For this tutorial, I’ll go with the Install Ubuntu option.

If the following boot screen doesn’t show up, your BIOS probably doesn’t check your cd-drive. When your computer starts, go into your BIOS and change the appropriate settings.

In this tutorial I’ll show you how to write and compile a C++ Program using CodeBlocks in Windows. That’s right, Windows.

If you haven’t done so, download and install CodeBlocks

Using CodeBlocks to program Hello World

1. Open up CodeBlocks and simply click on “Create a new project”.