Run Linux on Windows without Virtualization using andLinux

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If you are a windows user and you want to try linux without using dual boot or a virtual machine . As you know, in the dual boot, the user can run only one operating system at a time, while using operating systems in virtual environment there are chances of getting the machine slower due to overload. To use Linux and Windows simultaneously, we have an excellent option in the form of andLinux. andLinux is nothing but a full-fledged Ubuntu Linux system that can run seamlessly on Windows 2000 OSs like Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista and 7 (32bit).

andLinux is a free Linux OS that runs on Windows just like any other Windows software. Further, all Linux software also run on the machine as if they were running in native Linux OS and they require no modifications when using on andLinux.

Important Component of andLinux: coLinux

An important component of andLinux is coLinux, which is a port of the Linux kernel developed for running on Windows. This makes is possible for andLinux to run on Windows just like any other application without the need of virtualization. The whole package of andLinux comprises of coLinux, Ubuntu based Linux and the host of applications found in typical Linux OS. The whole package is installed on Windows OS just like any other application. In fact even file system of andLinux in located in Windows directory.

With virtualization there is excessive load on the processor and RAM gets jammed too especially in case of large applications related to videos. coLinux brings a sort of merger between Windows and Linux making the machine highly efficient to handle all types of tasks.

Starting andLinux

Installation of andLinux on Windows comprises of typical steps required for any software. Here are some important steps for starting andLinux demonstrated with screenshots:

1) The first step is how you want to start andLinux on your computer. You can start it manually in command prompt window, you can start it manually as NT services from Windows control panel, or you can start it automatically when Windows start.

2) If you are using minimalistic or XFCE version of andLinux you can launch the applications by choosing between XFCE panel and the andLinux Launcher if andLinux is started manually. If andLinux is started automatically, you can use only Launcher.

3) Now, if you want to access your Windows file on andLinux, you can either use coLinux File System (CoFS) or Windows file shares (Samba).

If you have selected the option of automatic start for andLinux, it starts automatically with Windows. If you have chosen manual start, you can use “Start andLinux” shortcut from start menu or from quick launch. If you have selected the option of command window, andLinux will start in a minimized window. When Linux is running you can start applications using XFCE panel or andLinux Launcher. When starting the applications for the first time they may start slowly as they perform configurations tasks.

Images sources: andlinux.org

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