VMWare’s Virtual Appliances List

VMWare’s list of Virtual Appliances appear to be endless.  With over 1300 applicants available, VMWare’s list gives technical details and download information for these solutions.  Virtual appliances allow often turnkey solutions for businesses.

So what is a virtual appliance?  Virtual appliances are solutions (OSs, databases, storage, and other applications) that operate in the virtual infrastructure of an organization.   In layman terms – a pre-built pre-configured software application for virtualization that includes the operating system.

So if you download VMWare, setup a server, download a set of files (Virtual Appliance),  power on your virtual device, and the application is instantly available for use.

• Virtual appliances can be moved from one VM to another without impacting the user.

An example of this includes a SDK for Amazon’s which is a web service that provides re-sizable compute capacity in the cloud.  This application is used to interface with Amazon’s EC2 service.

Or Moodle the Online Learning Management System that major colleges and companies use for training is another great example of a turn-key solution.  Moodle is easy to set up and use allowing  you to create courses and technology that goes above and beyond the needs of colleges world-wide.  This version is Ubuntu based and gets security updates automatically.  Here’s a small list of universities that use Moodle.

1. University of California, Irvine  http://learn.uci.edu/cms/
2. University of Georgia   http://cantor.english.uga.edu/moodle/
3. Texas A&M University   https://maysportal.tamu.edu/
4. MIT Teacher Education Program   http://education.mit.edu/moodle/
5. Ohio State University Math Department  https://webwork.math.ohio-state.edu/moodle/
6. Iowa State University  http://tesl.engl.iastate.edu/courses/
7. Orange Coast College (well-known in California, where I am)  http://occmoodle.occ.cccd.edu/moodle/moodle/

and of course we do….

Bottom-line?   Companies are buying large servers with tons of disk-space, memory and other resources and then loading VMWare or other virtualized server software onto these servers and loading appliances creating more servers for their organization that use less space, less energy, can be managed on one physical machine and have  turn-key applications (Virtual Appliances).

How about a list of Linux based turn-key solutions?  Network Area Storage,  Domain Replacement, Joomla, Moodle, MySQL and more.

Help Your Antivirus – Use Immunet

Immunet has been designed as a cloud Malware/Antivirus protection application that uses a cloud design.     Immunet  recently secured a $2 million dollar investment – from DarkReading

Read about how Immunet helps to protect you.  Link

Need Cloud Storage, Store Your Files online with Go Aruna

Go Aruna is cloud storage that is secure and allows 200mb uploads.  Go Aruna is another online storage that is free and has browser add-ons, an upload web interface, iGoogle interface, Facebook plug-in  and phone applications.  Go Aruna is easy to use and offers a ton of space.

Go Aruna also offers a desktop application that allows you to drag and drop your files on the web.

Windows 7 is faster than Vista – Bottomline

As we begin deploying Windows 7 and begin to use 7 in our educational environment, you can see and feel a difference in how the operating system performs.  The networking is truly faster, applications perform quickly and the operating system is nothing like Vista as far as performance.  So why say this in another post?  I guess I’m just surprised at how many post say marginally faster and some say applications are slower.

With several different brand of computers that have different processors and various amounts of RAM, we have found that 7 brings life into older computers.   As our interns and staff agree, applications open faster and the systems are more responsive.  Is it perception which many reviewers say?  No, we took a Toshiba laptop with 1 GB of RAM, 60 Gb Hard drive and a 1.6 Ghz Celeron M processor loaded Windows 7, updated the ATI video driver from Microsoft, enabled AERO and yes, it runs smooth.   Vista would not load on the laptop and XP was slower.

After 20 years of working with computers,  I sometimes question benchmark tests.   The measurements are sometimes questionable.  I’ve seen benchmarks that measure application load times that show close to the same times with different OSs but the true benchmark is can the end user begin using the app once it is loaded?   With Windows Vista, just because an application opened, it did not make the application usable.  You could often click and get the ever famous (Not Responding) screen.   The benchmark gave a score that was the same, but the application was not ready.

While receiving a positive review from so many blogs and professional magazines, you really have to weigh in any negative views they may give about some features with your own tests and remember to get input from your users.

While 7 is a hit with many people who are testing it, Microsoft has to look at Ubuntu 9.10 (don’t look at the name- Karmic Koala).  Ubuntu is becoming more user friendly and is closing in on Microsoft.  Some of the features that are being added are going to make Ubuntu basically…well into Windows.   How fast is it growing?  Ubuntu is looking at software that will be like Windows -Add/Remove programs, visual effects, improved drivers and if you check closely, they are beginning to use basic terms and beginning to explain their software to common users.  Cloud computing vendors are beginning to pick up Ubuntu and software vendors are beginning to release more and more Ubuntu versions of their software.    Ubuntu like Microsoft will begin to look at performance as their code becomes bulker and when features are added.  The developers will begin to look at security as basic users begin to try Ubuntu making sure the average user can enjoy the OS while keeping them secure.

While this post is based on Windows 7’s performance, security should always be one of your number one factors when deciding on an operating system.

Cloud Computing – Startforce – Cloudo – Glide OS

Several posts ago we featured cloud computing for the home user.  Until recently I didn’t really see a need for this type of computing.   Now being more mobile than ever, I am always forgetting my flash drive or I have left a presentation on my desk.   These online cloud operating systems give you the ability to put work on their online desktop and to travel anywhere in the world without worrying whether or not you have your information with you.

Startforce        Cloudo            Glide OS

           

Internet Safety – Windows4All

Rick has an excellent post for this website.  Link

If you want total safety for the internet, Windows4All (Silverlight Required) gives you the ultimate sandbox experience.   The website uses Microsoft’s Silverlight meaning you should use Internet Explorer to access the site.  Windows4All becomes your operating system allowing you to surf the net from this virtual cloud operating system in total safety.

Virtualbox 3.0.6 Review

Sun Microsystems Virtualbox 3.0.6 is the latest virtualization application from Sun.   Computer users are beginning to see the development and use for multiple operating systems on a single computer.  In today’s world cloud computing and virtualization are two of the fastest growing technologies.  VirtualBox supports Linux, MAC and Windows.

Benefits of Virtualization

• Power Cost Savings
• Hardware Cost Savings (Multiple computers on a single physical computer)
• Development of applications (Running Server OS on Client OS)
• Quick Recovery Time (recover vdis allowing users to return an operating system in minutes)

Features of 3.0.6

• Browse your virtual machines and inspect their settings (Remote Desktop)
• Start virtual machines in headless mode
• Pause/resume VMs
• Save the state of running VMs
• Terminate VMs (hard power off or ACPI)
• Remote control your VMs using the integrated RDP Web Control
• Multiple processor support (32 – Growing – Currently 64 bit supports one processor only)
• Shared Folder Support
• USB Support
• Multiple Networking Features
• 3D Graphic Support

Installation

The installation of VirtualBox is fast and easy.  You should take into consideration the amount of RAM on the host computer including hard drive capacity and CPU speed.  The installation of 3.0.6 was on an HP Pavilion Laptop with 3GB or RAM, 160 GB Harddrive powered by a dual core AMD 2 Ghz processor.  This independent installation reviews the install of Microsoft’s Windows Server 2008 committing 25 GB for hard disk space and 1 GB of RAM.

The installation of an operating system onto the VirtualBox application reguires being familiar with common settings of operating systems and having the ISO or DVD of the other operating system.

By clicking on New, you are walked through an excellent wizard that guides you through the basic setup of the operating system you are installing.   During this walk through, it is important to give yourself plenty of hard drive space for growth and a balanced amount of memory to keep your host computer and virtual computer responsive.  (You can adjust these settings later)   An added benefit is when testing beta software (OS), you can later begin to take away or add to memory to test the computer’s responsiveness.

Installation of VirtualBox

Installation of Windows Server 2008

Settings

Virtualbox makes it easy to select your settings.  One of the most important areas is the number of processors, USB (add a filter to use USB on the Virtual Computer), Networking and pointing to the ISO or DVD in order to load the operating system.

Operating System Loading/Loaded

To use the mouse, click on the Virtualbox screen (it will then be captured).  To release it, hit the right ctrl key.

Notes:  Follow the installation recommendations for the operating system you are installing.  You must protect virtual computers with updates, firewalls, correct permissions and anti-virus software.

VirtualBox is by far the best free virtualization program on the internet.  VirtualBox allows you to take computing to a new level by offering the technology that allows you to expand your network at a minimal cost and to use virtualization for servers, compatibility with other operating systems and to research different operating systems before they hit the market.   VirtualBox is hands down an excellent application for home and enterprise users.

Resources

What is a Virtual Machine?

VMWare

VirtualBox

Microsoft Virtual PC

Microsoft’s Virtualization Website

Windows 7 Beta – Installing and Testing on VirtualBox

Installing Windows 7 on Virtual PC vs. VirtualBox

How to Network Virtual Operating Systems in Sun’s VirtualBox

Answers to Licensing Questions for Sun Micro’s VirtualBox

How to Optimize VirtualBox on Your Windows PC

Learn How to Set Up USB and Networking Options in VirtualBox

How To Connect to VirtualBox using Remote Desktop Connection

VirtualBox Configurations for running Three Operating Systems on a PC

VirtualBox: How to Expand Your Servers with Virtualization

VirtualBox on this Blog.

WordPress articles on VirtualBox and Virtualization

Cloud Based version of Microsoft Office

For the last several months, I have tried not to troll and ‘copy’ my fellow bloggers.  Being in an educational institution, the resource of information that comes from these industry experts has to be recognized.  Our school stays ahead of the industry and loads beta operating systems, virtualization, software that is state of the art in CAD, Drafting, Business Systems, Machine Tool, Industrial Maintenance and other programs.

Once again Rick has a great article that is being forwarded to both our Computer Information Technology (CIT) programs and Business Systems Technology (BST) programs.  Rick reviews and discusses -

A FREE cloud based version of Microsoft Office is coming…

Rick did you ever think you would be contributing to the future of students?  Once again thank you. – Steve

Cloud computing a ’security nightmare,’ says Cisco CEO

Cloud computing a ’security nightmare,’ says Cisco CEO

How could you not agree.  When you rely on vendors and your team becomes ’split’, security becomes an extreme issue.  What is your Cloud Computing vendor’s -  hiring policies? – background check policy? - security policy? – backup policy? – recovery policy?  - is their team really a part of your team? – how often are they audited? 

The questions go on and on. 

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Panda Cloud Antivirus Answers Questions

Panda Cloud Antivirus is still in beta and the questions are being made about the technology and pricing.  According to Panda, it will be free forever and the technology is changing for the better.  Here’s the most common questions from the website’s blog:

• Will Panda Cloud Antivirus continue being FREE after the beta is over?
• Do I need to run a different antivirus at the same time as Cloud Antivirus?
• Am I still protected when I’m not connected to the Internet?
• After installing Cloud Antivirus I scanned my PC and it took a really long time. What’s up?
• Are my files being sent to the cloud for scanning?
• What exactly is sent to the cloud?
• Cloud Antivirus detected a Trojan and deleted it. How can I get it back?
• Why can’t I choose delete/block/ignore when it detects a Trojan?
• Can I run Cloud Antivirus alongside my Norton360/AVG/Etc.?

  …..Here’s their answers and more questions

Cloud Security: Danger (and Opportunity) Ahead

Cloud Security: Danger (and Opportunity) Ahead

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Panda Tools to Remove Viruses and Malware – Free

Panda recently released freeware antivirus for home users that worked through a virtual cloud platform. (Reviewed Here)

Now Panda has NanoScan that installs an ActiveX add-on that scans your computer on the internet.  This second layer of added protection helps keep you safe.  NanoScan

          

Panda has also released a flashdrive / thumbdrive utility that turns off the autorun feature and helps protect these devices when plugged in.  Panda USB Vaccine is an excellent tool to use on your computer.  (This basically protects your computer from scanning through the contents of a drive – thus preventing an infected file on the USB from being activated.)