VirtualBox

Pros

• You don't have to pay for virtualization.
• Customize your programs easily through this software.

Cons

• Getting some of the features with VirtualBox can be a pain compared to some of the alternatives.

One of the free and open source software options available, VirtualBox runs for all the operating systems on a virtual basis. You can install almost any version of the system. For example, you have Linux, Windows and Solaris versions. The first thing that you will learn about VirtualBox is how you can set it up easily and start using it. This software will hold your hand as you go through it, and you never feel like you have stepped out of line with it.

Integrates with the Native Environment

The software feels impressive with its many features, and you can use VirtualBox to declare a specific host of directories and declare them as a shared folder. After this point, you will have access to the operating system, and you can run it from within VirtualBox. Along with the USB connecting devices, VirtualBox uses a simple process, and it will automatically detect a new device on the software. When it does this, it will ask you if you want to use them. Unfortunately, you don't have a drag-and-drop features where you can take items from your desktop and drop them somewhere else. However, because it is free, we can't complain. In fact, when you compare it to similar products like VMware Fusion, you will see how this product costs you $79.99 in comparison.

Not the Choice for Everyone

Before you decide on this product, however, you should understand the true cost of free. With VirtualBox, most of the features you might find with Parallels or Fusion will be worth the money, but they aren't available with VirtualBox. For example, you can't print to the main printer automatically, and you will have to set up the integration features manually before you can get them to perform automatically. This system is somewhat unreliable and like a fussy baby at times.

Easily Customizable

What's cool about this software is how you can personalize it to yourself. You can, for example, install virtual Linux, Windows or a different guest system, and you will have access to the advanced dialog and a variety of the custom settings. VirtualBox does disable the integration features by default, and you will have track down the settings to turn each of them on if you want them. Through the menu of this program, you will have fine-tuned control and drag-and-drop features. You won't find the same level of customization by any of the other apps.

VirtualBox should be able to get the job done, and you can run tests for the Windows and other operating systems. For those who don't want to pay for the cost of virtualization, and they just need the basics, VirtualBox will get the job done.

Pros

• You don't have to pay for virtualization.
• Customize your programs easily through this software.

Cons

• Getting some of the features with VirtualBox can be a pain compared to some of the alternatives.