Virtualization software like VMware and VirtualBox allows you to run multiple OS’s on a single system without rebooting. This capability is convenient for cross-platform testing of web software without the need for multiple systems. I’ve always used it as a bridge between my linux and windows applications–having a script-ready bash terminal makes batch processing of data a breeze. About a year ago, a friend introduced me to virtualizing with the same operating system. Something like running Windows within Windows.

Why would you ever do this? I wondered the same thing, but it adds a good layer of security to my computer. Since virtual drives are only accessible via specified shared folders, any disaster within the virtual operating system is contained. This is most applicable to my VPN connection into the hospital. My employer uses a Citrix web interface to allow outside connections into the hospital intranet.

For those of you who have used Citrix, it is bloated junkware that pollutes your system files. Moreover, it does not work well with certain software firewalls, like COMODO. After uninstallation, the program litters your folders with nondescript file links and useless files. I found that I can contain the installation through my virtualized OS. Neat huh?

Whenever my hospital junks Citrix or requires another bloated software suite, I can throw it into my virtual OS. If the installation trashes my system, I can just delete my virtual drive and start over. No damage done to the host.

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