I've been having problems with the network connection cutting out under Windows 7, (I suspect a driver issue and as Asus aren't realeasing any Vista/Win 7 drivers not a lot I can do about it) and have decided to go back to Linux.

I've downloaded Fedora 11 but before I install it I've got a question...

I need to be able to run MS-Office, (the wife uses it for work, and she needs screenshots, so Open Office etc won't do) and have decided that the easiest way is to run a Virtual PC type application.

I read that Fedora has a couple of apps built in, but I've never really tried virtualisation on Linux and was hoping that I could get some tips, (best app to use, configuration hints, etc) before I start.

Any ideas/opinions/advice welcome.

Thanks.

I understand that things like VMware may be able to do fancy things like make it look like office is part of your Fedora desktop...

However, for a free solution, I'd suggest VirtualBox.
One problem that you *may* find is that VBox doesn't do DirectX, though I have heard of some hacky things with WINE being involved to achieve DX.
Networking wise, you can bridge the VM to your network card, and choose from four or five well known network cards for Windows to see and interact with.

I have run Win XP in a ViretualBox VM before, it wasn't the best, but then I did starve it of various resources...

HTH
Ben

Yep, certainly does Ben, thanks.

I had been reading about Viartualbox, (and have used it on Windows) but wasn't sure if the solutions that actually come with Fedora were worth looking at...

I'll have a quick look in a while and give some more information regarding what the packages are.

codeweavers crossover office …

http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxlinux/

I'd seen this before but I was kinda put off by the "Buy Now" button on the web site! :tightwad:

I was hoping for an open source solution, but I'll have another look at crossover, as it might be worth spending a few quid if the performance is worth it.

Thanks!

+1 for Virtualbox. However, could you not just dual-boot XP and Fedora?

If it is office 2003, why not just use WINE? It runs great in that.

I installed Fedora 11 the other night and put VirtualBox on as well. I've installed Windows Vista and, aside from the sound which doesn't matter as it's for running office app's not playing music, it works fine.