Linux Middleware for Windows Virtualization
Objectives
Creation and customization of a virtualization specialist Gnu/Linux system to boot a Microsoft Windows installation thru a USB storing device with the following characteristics:
- Small size
- Hardware independence
- Extensible
Characteristics
Size
In order to keep the system smaller a minimum set of applications and libraries were selected:
- Device drivers (150 Mb)
- LinuxMiddleware system (70Mb)
Hardware Independence
The LinuxMiddleware system loads the proper device drivers in order to run the same Microsoft Windows installation in distinct hardware’s configuration.
Extensibility
Users can add new functionatilies to the system without having to rebuild it from scratch. For that they only need the developer’s tools which will be released with the final version.
Screenshots
Figure 1. Splash Screen
Figure 2. Windows’ installation running in window mode
Figure 3. Windows running in full-screen mode
Current Status
We will work on some small applications to control the virtual machine initialization ( we are still choosing the proper language, maybe python, maybe other), options like choose where to find the image, and configuration of start options for the virtual machine will be available.
Complimentary the system will be able to boot from as many devices as we can do it work. Initially pen drives will be the main focus, if you have an big enough pen drive, you can boot your windows image directly from the pen drive, independent of have or not the machine drivers installed. Others medias like an
LiveDVD version will be worked on.
Development
Download
sources here!
Developed by Applied Information Technology Laboratory - LTIA, from Sao Paulo State University - UNESP.
http://www.ltia.fc.unesp.br Portuguese Version
