What is the best way to run a Linux virtual server on Windows 7?

Question

I need a virtual server for web development, it will contain Apache + Postgres + Ruby + something else.

• What is the most effective software to run such a server? (i.e., with the least virtualization overhead)

• Is there a way to run Linux as a service?

I am using VirtualBox at the moment, but it is inconvenient in some way, for example, it needs to open the emulator window, which also captures keyboard input when it is turned on.

(Also, coLinux freezes when it boots on my machine, so this is probably not an option)

Answer 1

, VirtualBox : vboxctrl. vboxctrl Linux- Windows, , Windows ; SSH- . Xming Linux; GVim, Xming.

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Answer 2

VMWare. , .

Answer 3

, VMware , 3 + .

The latest version of the free server (VMware Server 2) works as an IIRC service, so you can configure your server server to start and shut down your PC, and you can either log into the VM console via the web interface or create a shortcut on your desktop to he was pretty unobtrusive.