Help with installing Ubuntu

Hi guys, I'm looking to install Ubuntu on my laptop. I've decided I'd like to run it in a virtual machine.

So the question is, is it possible to run the latest version in a virtual machine? If so, could you suggest me a good virtualization software (It needs to be free). Also could someone tell me if my processor supports hardware virtualization. I'm using a Athlon 64x2 TK-55 processor. I tried to find information about my processor in AMD's website but couldn't find any about it.

Thanks in advance guys.

 

Virtualbox is good:
http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

Unfortunately according to wikipedia it looks like your CPU does not support AMD-V:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Turion_microprocessors#.22Tyler.22_.2865_nm.29

 

Hey, thanks for your response. Another question .... does Virtualbox work even if my CPU doesn't support virtualization?

 

VirtualBox does not require VT for performance gains as the developers have reported that the program actually delivers better performance without it.

See here:

http://tombuntu.com/index.php/2007/10/01/should-you-enable-intels-vt-x-in-virtualbox/

 

Interesting, thanks guys. Going to try and free up some space on my hard-drive now. I'm sure I'll have some more questions for you all in a bit tho.

 

If your CPU does not have hardware virtualization, you wont be able to virtualize a 64 bit OS in a 32 bit host.

For windows Host OS, I prefer VMware server free version.

 

So there is no software that can do the above?

Also, when you say 32 bit host, do you mean the host OS or that the processor has to be 64 bit? I assume its the former but I guess it doesn't hurt to clarify. At the least it allows me to hope for a while.

 

No, there doesn't seem to be any other way. This confirms mr_raider's comment on VB requiring VT for a 64-bit guest:

http://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15516&start=0

 

OK 32 bit it will have to be then. After all its only to give Ubuntu a try more than anything.

If I really want to I suppose I could perhaps create a double boot set-up in the future once I get the many problems with my laptop sorted.

 

Hmmm ... was running a diagnosis on my RAM and hard-drive. While looking through set-up I noticed an option that allows me to turn on virtualization. I guess I'll just have to try and install the 64-bit version and see if it works.

 

Just managed to run 64-Bit Ubuntu within Vista 32 bit using Virtualbox. I assume that means the wikipedia article was incorrect and the TK-55 processor supports AMD-V after all.