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Welcome to PC-NUT.com where the goal is to teach anyone regardless of previous knowledge how to build and maintain a powerful and affordable desktop computer with easy to follow step by step instructions. The computer of your dreams won't be found on the shelves of the local PC shop, it must be tailored to your needs. I hope the information you find is useful and feel free to email me with any tips, pictures or comments.

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Virtual computer

    There are many reasons any computer user may want to install a virtual computer on their system, such as :

• Running multiple operating systems (OS) on a single computer - Linux, Mac, various versions of Windows
• Testing software
• Safely downloading or viewing questionable material without the worry of infecting the host computer
• Running older software not compatible with your current OS
• Keeping your kids from filling your computer with spyware....Again

    The software required to install a virtual pc can be found completely free believe it or not, complements of Microsoft but as with any free software a better product can be purchased at VMware (free trial).

    Now once you've downloaded software you simply install it and open the application. For this article I'll assume you choose to use Microsoft's free Virtual PC, besides VMware's software is very user friendly and requires little explanation.

    Next click the "NEW" button and follow the setup wizard to adjust your settings such as the size of the virtual hard drive and the amount of RAM your Virtual PC will be able to use. I suggest using at least 256 Mb of Ram or lagging will occur.

    Ok now your ready to begin installing your Virtual PC. Place your OS install disk in the drive and close the auto start window that will pop up, then on the Virtual PC program select your new VM (virtual machine) and hit the start button then it's just like installing an OS on new computer just follow the on screen guide. One thing to remember though is once you click inside the virtual PC you mouse will become trapped inside the frame, just hold down the RIGHT ALT (host) key to release it back to the host computer. If your in full screen mode hit right alt + Enter to  toggle back.