Running linux binaries via Virtual PC

I found out that one can run precompiled linux binaries via Virtual PC.
I had a Mandrake 8.2 lying around (a cover-DVD from "Linux Format"). It
installed relatively easily with VPC 6. The only problem was that it had
problems recognizing the display hardware. Also the cursor cannot get
out of the linux window; I suspect this has to do with VPC Additions. So
I switch to the Windows system to get back to Jaguar. This also means
that VPC should not pause the operating system which is not in front.

It is fastest to have a very minimal installation without Gnome or KDE.
By setting "export DISPLAY=my.ip.num.ber:0.0" on can send the mandrake
windows to Apple's X11 if X11 access control has been disabled by "xhost
+". After executing "xterm -sb -bg black -fg green &" on VPC's Mandrake
window, one can switch to X11 and conduct the rest of the session from
the new Mandrake window in X11.

From that window I downloaded and installed Alessandro Mirones
precompiled scisoft software. I was delighted to see that PPM worked.
(It is a program to calculate the x-ray reflectivity of multilayers
<http://www.esrf.fr/computing/scientific/PPM/ppm.html>.)

I also tried Mirone's program Amarcord (calculation of the electronic
structure of atoms and of x-ray absorption spectra). Unfortunately,
running that one gave the message "segmentation fault". Maybe I should
try updating to Mandrake 9?

Anyway, this method might work for lots of interesting unix programs if
a precompiled linux version is available. Much easier than trying to
port things to Darwin.

--
Pieter.Kuiper.TakeThisOut@msi.vxu.se http://www.masda.vxu.se/~pku/

Pieter Kuiper wrote:

 > I found out that one can run precompiled linux binaries via Virtual PC.
 > I had a Mandrake 8.2 lying around (a cover-DVD from "Linux Format"). It
 > installed relatively easily with VPC 6. The only problem was that it had
 > problems recognizing the display hardware. Also the cursor cannot get
 > out of the linux window; I suspect this has to do with VPC Additions. So
 > I switch to the Windows system to get back to Jaguar. This also means
 > that VPC should not pause the operating system which is not in front.
 >
Hold down the Apple key to release the mouse pointer.