Hi c0nt3nd3r Doesnt sound like you'll be using 64bit OS'. Continouing this asssumation, i'd suggest you VirtualPC by Microsoft: download link However, i prefer VMware's Virtual Server, but i'm running 64bit, and a virutal server enviroment anyway.... VirtualPC 2007 is just easier to use, at least i feel so. To get the usage for ANY virtualisation, you DO need the OS you want to install as .iso file, to mount it to your virtual computer. Then you have to install it like it would be a normal computer, thought you wont be running for drivers (or i have that done that without realizing it). You will be able to run a Linux distribution like Slackware, Redhat, Fedora, SuSE, whatever in that 'box' (made best expeirence with XP anyway), you may even create diffrent boxes with diffrent OS' according to your needs. Hope this helps. Cheers EDIT: dang i acutaly overread your question: making it short, the answer is: yes to the VM thingy and NO regarding the hoops, unless you test unattened installs