Linux 作为开源(open-source)操作系统的宠儿，长期以来一直吸引着开发人员、程序员和技术爱好者的心。它的多功能性和稳定性是Windows 的(Windows)诱人替代品。
然而，并不是每个人都准备好从Windows(Windows)转向。这就是适用于Windows的(Windows)Linux模拟器的用武之地，它可以在不脱离Windows舒适区的情况下提供(Windows)Linux的优势。
在本文中，我们将研究一些适合Windows用户的最佳(Windows)Linux模拟器，以便在不完全投入的情况下体验
Linux体验。(Linux)
首先(First)：这些(First)不是(Are)模拟器
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我们知道您在选择的搜索引擎中输入了术语“ Linux Emulator”来到达这里，但事实是，我们在本文中要讨论的软件包实际上都不是Linux模拟的示例。
相反，它们主要是“虚拟化(virtualization)”技术的示例，以及一些“兼容层”的示例。虚拟化是在真实计算机（主机系统）上模拟虚拟计算机（来宾系统），以便您可以在虚拟机上运行与主机系统分离的另一个（甚至相同）操作系统。
然而，Linux仿真并不是人们在搜索“ Linux仿真器”时真正寻找的内容。相反，他们希望在另一个操作系统（例如Windows ）中运行(Windows)Linux系统。虚拟(Virtual)机(Machines)是做到这一点的最佳方式，这就是我们在这里讨论的内容。为此，我们将在本文中
使用术语“ Linux模拟器”，但您应该意识到，从技术上讲，这是描述该软件的不准确方式。(Emulator)
在深入Linux(Linux)虚拟化世界之前，有必要了解为什么您可能想要使用这项技术。VM 是一种软件应用程序，可在Windows系统上复制(Windows)Linux环境，允许您运行Linux应用程序和命令行工具，而无需实际安装成熟的Linux操作系统。它充当了一座桥梁，结合了两个世界的优点： Linux(Linux)强大而灵活的特性，以及熟悉且用户友好的Windows环境。
人们可能想要使用Linux(Linux)模拟器的原因有多种：
- 探索：好奇心可能会让您渴望在不离开Windows 的(Windows)情况下探索Linux的世界。Linux(A Linux)模拟器是让您涉足开源操作系统世界并了解深受Linux铁杆用户喜爱的可怕终端的详细信息的完美方式。
- 兼容性：虽然计算机世界的前端可能是Windows（以及越来越多的 macOS），但Linux却在幕后占据主导地位。因此，如果您以系统管理员的身份进入幕后技术(backroom technology)世界，或者想要开发Linux软件，模拟器可以让您轻松做到这一点。
- 教育和技能发展(Skill Development)：学习 Linux(Learning Linux)比以往任何时候都更有价值，特别是如果您从事科技行业。使用Linux模拟器可以帮助您学习和磨练您的Linux技能，使您成为更加多才多艺和市场化的专业人士。
Linux模拟器是一种灵活、低投入且经济高效的方式，可以扩展您的计算体验并拓宽您的视野。在开始使用Linux模拟器之前，这里有一些最好的Linux模拟器可以帮助您入门。
VirtualBox是一种广泛采用的开源虚拟化软件包，可让您在Windows计算机上将多个操作系统（例如(Windows)Linux）作为虚拟机运行。它适用于广泛的Linux发行版，包括Ubuntu、Debian和Linux Mint。
VirtualBox与(VirtualBox)USB设备具有出色的无缝集成，让您可以轻松使用打印机、扫描仪和网络摄像头等外围设备。此外，VirtualBox还支持Intel的硬件辅助虚拟化技术，使其成为具有兼容(VirtualBox)CPU的(CPUs)用户的首选。
2.VMware Workstation Player(VMware Workstation Player)：功能加载的虚拟器
VMware Workstation Player是另一个强大的虚拟化软件，可以帮助您在Windows计算机上运行(Windows)Linux操作系统。它提供与Linux发行版、USB设备和Windows主机 3D 图形加速的广泛兼容性。
3. QEMU：快速且适应性强的模拟器
QEMU（快速模拟器(Quick Emulator)）是一种灵活的开源模拟器和虚拟器，支持各种客户操作系统选项，包括Linux、BSD和 macOS。与Windows(Windows)、Linux和 macOS 主机兼容。QEMU可以模拟不同的CPU架构，这使其成为有兴趣探索各种硬件配置（尤其是开发用途）的用户的首选。
4. Hyper-V：微软的原生虚拟机管理程序
Microsoft 的Hyper-V是一种本地管理程序，可以在“ Pro ”或更好版本的 Windows 操作系统(Windows OS)中激活，使用户能够直接在其Windows计算机上运行虚拟机。Hyper-V主要针对Windows Server环境，也可在Windows 10专业版(Pro)和企业(Enterprise)版上访问。
Hyper-V可容纳各种Linux发行版作为来宾操作系统，并提供可提高性能并提供卓越硬件兼容性的集成服务。然而，Hyper-V的Linux支持并不完全符合此列表中的其他选项，并且某些功能可能不适用于所有Linux发行版。
5. Cygwin：POSIX 兼容的强大工具
Cygwin与传统模拟器或虚拟化软件不同，它在(Cygwin)Windows中提供了 POSIX 兼容环境。这使用户能够直接在Windows(Windows)系统上运行Linux应用程序和命令行工具，非常适合主要需要访问Linux命令行实用程序或特定Linux应用程序而无需设置完整虚拟机的用户。
Cygwin拥有丰富的包管理器，允许用户安装各种Linux应用程序、库和实用程序。虽然它不提供完整的Linux桌面环境（如GNOME或KDE），但它支持X Window 系统(X Window System)应用程序和桌面环境（如XFCE） ，使用户能够在其 Windows 主机上运行图形Linux应用程序。(Linux)但是，您必须向Cygwin添加一些软件包（例如Cygwin/X）才能运行图形应用程序。
WSL是Microsoft 的产品，是直接在(Microsoft)Windows系统上运行(Windows)Linux应用程序和命令行实用程序的特殊选项。与Cygwin(Cygwin)不同，WSL通过在Windows内核和Linux内核之间实现兼容层来促进运行本机Linux可执行文件。
WSL支持多个Linux发行版，包括Ubuntu、Debian和Fedora ，可以直接从(Fedora)Microsoft Store安装。尽管它不提供完整的Linux桌面环境，但它拥有与各种命令行工具、编程语言和服务器应用程序的兼容性。如果您熟悉Windows Powershell ，则可以在几分钟内快速掌握(Windows Powershell)Linux 的(Linux)各种优点。
随着WSL 2(WSL 2)的推出，Microsoft实现了一个轻量级虚拟机（而不是兼容层），可以增强性能、兼容性和资源使用率。此外(Furthermore)，WSL 2支持Docker和Kubernetes，这使其成为开发人员和 IT 专业人士的一个有吸引力的选择。
超越虚拟化
当谈到在Windows计算机上体验(Windows)Linux世界时，虚拟化软件只是冰山一角。您可以使用多种方法来尝试Linux，而无需全力以赴。让我们看一下其中的一些。
双启动：在保持 Windows 设置完整的同时体验Linux 的(Linux)首选方法之一是双启动(dual booting)。可以将其想象为将硬盘驱动器分区为不同的房间，一个用于Windows，一个用于Linux。每次(Every)启动计算机时，您都可以选择进入哪个房间。双引导让您更近距离地接触Linux，充分发挥硬件的潜力。也就是说，设置和维护双启动系统有时感觉就像玩电锯，特别是当您经常在两个操作系统之间切换时。
Live CD 或 USB：如果您还没有准备好修改您的硬盘，为什么不从Live CD 或 USB启动(live CD or USB)Linux呢？多个Linux发行版，包括Ubuntu、Fedora和Linux Mint 等(Linux Mint)，都提供这些实时版本。您可以试水、探索Linux、尝试应用程序并感受整个过程，而无需对计算机进行任何持久的更改。但请记住，与完整安装相比，实时环境可能会感觉有点缓慢，因为它完全通过 CD 或USB运行，而没有充分利用计算机的资源。此外，您对实时操作系统所做的任何更改都会在重新启动时丢失，因此这不是永久解决方案。
便携式 Linux：便携式 Linux(Portable Linux)版本允许您将整个操作系统放在口袋中的USB记忆棒上。没错，想象一下，随时随地，触手可及的
Linux的强大功能！(Linux)
多个Linux发行版，例如Ubuntu、Fedora和Puppy Linux，都提供了便携式版本。这个过程就像下载您选择的Linux发行版一样简单，使用Rufus或UNetbootin等工具将其加载到(UNetbootin)USB记忆棒上，瞧！您已经拥有了一个移动Linux工作站。
会话结束时，便携式Linux 操作系统(Linux OS)不会擦除您的更改。这就像将Linux安装在内部硬盘驱动器上一样，只不过是从USB设备（如闪存驱动器）运行。
6 Best Linux Emulators for Windows
Linux, the open-source operating system darling, has long captivated the hearts of developers, programmers, and tech enthusiasts alike. Its versatility and stability present a tantalizing alternative to Windows.
However, not everyone is prepared to make the switch from Windows. This is where Linux emulators for Windows come into the picture, offering the benefits of Linux without departing from your Windows comfort zone.
In this article, we’ll look into some of the best Linux emulators for Windows users looking to sample the Linux experience without fully committing to it.
First Thing’s First: These Are Not Emulators
We know that you typed the term “Linux Emulator” into the search engine of your choice to get here, but the truth is that none of the software packages we’re going to discuss in this article are actually examples of Linux emulation.
Rather, they’re mostly examples of “virtualization” technology with some examples of “compatibility layers”. Virtualization is where a virtual computer (the guest system) is emulated on a real computer (the host system) so that you can run another (or even the same) operating system on the virtual machine, separated from the host system.
However, Linux emulation isn’t really what people are looking for when searching for “Linux Emulators”. Instead, they want to run a Linux system from within another OS, such as Windows. Virtual Machines are the best way to do that, and so that’s what we’re covering here. To that end, we’ll be using the term “Linux Emulator” in this article, but you should be aware that this is a technically inaccurate way to describe this software.
Before diving into the world of Linux virtualization, it’s essential to understand why you might want to use this technology. A VM is a software application that replicates the Linux environment on your Windows system, allowing you to run Linux applications and command-line tools without actually installing a full-fledged Linux operating system. It acts as a bridge, combining the benefits of both worlds: the powerful and flexible nature of Linux, and the familiar and user-friendly Windows environment.
There are several reasons why one might want to use a Linux emulator:
- Exploration: Curiosity may have you itching to explore the world of Linux without leaving Windows. A Linux emulator is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of open-source operating systems and learn the ins and outs of the dreaded terminal that’s so beloved by hardcore Linux users.
- Compatibility: While the front end of the computer world might be Windows (and, to an increasing degree, macOS), Linux rules the roost behind the scenes. So if you’re getting into the backroom technology world as a system admin or you want to develop Linux software, an emulator lets you do that with ease.
- Education and Skill Development: Learning Linux is more valuable than ever, especially if you’re in the tech industry. Using a Linux emulator can help you learn and hone your Linux skills, making you a more versatile and marketable professional.
A Linux emulator is a flexible, low-commitment, and cost-efficient way to expand your computing experience and broaden your horizons. Before you take your first step with a Linux emulator, here are some of the best Linux emulators to get you started.
1. VirtualBox: The Open-Source Juggernaut
VirtualBox, a widely-adopted open-source virtualization software package, lets you run multiple operating systems, such as Linux, as virtual machines on Windows computers. It accommodates an extensive range of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, and Linux Mint.
VirtualBox has excellent and seamless integration with USB devices, letting you use peripherals like printers, scanners, and webcams without any hassle. Additionally, VirtualBox also supports Intel’s hardware-assisted virtualization technology, making it a top choice for users with compatible CPUs.
VMware Workstation Player is another formidable virtualization software that facilitates running Linux operating systems on Windows computers. It offers broad compatibility with Linux distributions, USB devices, and 3D graphics acceleration for Windows hosts.
3. QEMU: The Swift and Adaptable Emulator
QEMU (Quick Emulator) is an agile, open-source emulator and virtualizer supporting various guest OS options, including Linux, BSD, and macOS. Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS hosts. QEMU can emulate different CPU architectures, making it a prime choice for users interested in exploring various hardware configurations, particularly for development uses.
4. Hyper-V: Microsoft’s Native Hypervisor
Microsoft’s Hyper-V, a native hypervisor that can be activated in “Pro” or better versions of the Windows OS, empowers users to run virtual machines directly on their Windows computers. Primarily targeting Windows Server environments, Hyper-V is also accessible on Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions.
Hyper-V accommodates various Linux distributions as guest operating systems, with integration services that boost performance and offer superior hardware compatibility. However, Hyper-V’s Linux support doesn’t quite measure up to other options on this list, and certain features may not be available for all Linux distributions.
5. Cygwin: The POSIX-Compatible Powerhouse
Cygwin diverges from traditional emulators or virtualization software by providing a POSIX-compatible environment within Windows. This enables users to run Linux applications and command-line tools directly on their Windows system, making it perfect for users mainly requiring access to Linux command-line utilities or specific Linux applications without setting up a full virtual machine.
Cygwin boasts a rich package manager, allowing users to install various Linux applications, libraries, and utilities. While it doesn’t offer full Linux desktop environments like GNOME or KDE, it does support X Window System applications and desktop environments such as XFCE, enabling users to run graphical Linux apps on their Windows host. However, you’ll have to add a few packages to Cygwin (e.g. Cygwin/X) to get graphical apps running.
WSL, a Microsoft creation, is an exceptional option for running Linux applications and command-line utilities directly on a Windows system. Unlike Cygwin, WSL facilitates running native Linux executable files by implementing a compatibility layer between the Windows kernel and the Linux kernel.
WSL accommodates multiple Linux distros, including Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora, which can be installed directly from the Microsoft Store. Although it doesn’t provide full Linux desktop environments, it boasts compatibility with various command-line tools, programming languages, and server applications. If you’re comfortable with Windows Powershell, you can quickly spool up all sorts of Linux goodness in minutes.
With the introduction of WSL 2, Microsoft has implemented a lightweight virtual machine (rather than a compatibility layer) that enhances performance, compatibility, and resource usage. Furthermore, WSL 2 supports Docker and Kubernetes, making it an appealing option for developers and IT professionals alike.
Beyond Virtualization
When it comes to experiencing the world of Linux on your Windows machine, virtualization software is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a vast array of methods you can use to try Linux without taking the full plunge. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Dual Booting: One of the go-to ways to experience Linux while keeping your Windows setup intact is dual booting. Think of it like partitioning your hard drive into separate rooms, one for Windows, one for Linux. Every time you fire up your computer, you get to pick which room to enter. Dual booting gives you a closer encounter with Linux, tapping into your hardware’s full potential. That said, setting up and maintaining a dual boot system can feel like juggling chainsaws sometimes, particularly if you often swap between the two operating systems.
Live CDs or USBs: If you’re not ready to tinker with your hard drive, why not boot Linux from a live CD or USB? Several Linux distributions, including the likes of Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint, offer these live versions. You get to test the waters, exploring Linux, trying out apps and getting a feel for the whole thing without making any lasting changes to your computer. Do remember though, a live environment might feel a bit sluggish compared to a full installation, given it runs entirely off the CD or USB without fully leveraging your computer’s resources. Additionally, any changes you make to the live OS are lost when you reboot, so it’s not a permanent solution.
Portable Linux: Portable Linux versions allow you to carry an entire operating system right in your pocket, on a USB stick. That’s right, imagine having the power of Linux at your fingertips, anywhere, anytime!
Several Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Puppy Linux, offer portable versions. The process is as straightforward as downloading the Linux distro of your choice, loading it onto a USB stick using tools like Rufus or UNetbootin, and voila! You’ve got yourself a mobile Linux workstation.
A portable Linux OS doesn’t wipe your changes when the session ends. It’s just like having Linux installed on an internal hard drive, except running from a USB device like a flash drive.
