Cooperative Linux is sometimes referred to by those that use it as coLinux. It is a dedicated software application that enables PC users to run Microsoft Windows and Linux side by side on the same computer.
The Cooperative Linux software application is designed to operate a bit like a cooperative virtual machine that shares resources between operating systems so that both components have full functionality. This software application is actually quite different to the traditional cooperative virtual machine though because in previous applications, the cooperative virtual machine only allowed additional operating systems to act as guests.
When thinking about the Cooperative Linux software application and how it works in practice, let’s take a moment to consider the word – cooperative. By its very nature, this software applications allows two completely different operating systems – in this case Windows and Linux – to co exist side by side without causing one or the other any problems.
Cooperative Linux software applications use a kernel system to determine which program is in control at any one time, and when you switch between the two, the kernel assigns the control to the operating system that you are using at the time. This can be confusing, as people often think that one is acting as the ‘boss’ and the other is the ‘follower’ but in actual fact, both operating systems still retain full access and control of the hardware. This is achieved by the kernel drawing on specific drivers that tell the guest operating system when to take control and when to take a back seat.
The Cooperative Linux software application was first developed in 2004 by Dan Aloni. The source code was released publicly and since that time, many developers from all across the world have contributed ideas, patches and additions to the application.
The Cooperative Linux software application has been compared to other virtualization software applications although in actual fact, this software application is quite distinct and different from applications such as VMware and Virtual PC to whom some suggest have similar features.
Despite its fanfare, there are limitations to the Cooperative Linux software application. For example, because the software application does not access direct graphics hardware, users to date are unable to run X Window or X Servers. Users of the software application can however, choose to install an X Server under Windows which will allow this to occur.
Despite this though, there are many positive stories about this software application as well. For example, it is well documented that the Cooperative Linux software application allows for the seamless and smooth running of the MySQL application.
Ultimately, this software allows a user to upload and safely teach themselves Linux without having to take the time to delete other operating systems that they use on a day to day basis. This can be risky, particular if the user decides that Linux is not for them. The Cooperative Linux software application takes away any element of risk by allowing you to run both side by side. |
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