Multi OS on single hardware – Ubuntu , Centos and more …

Here’s a mini-playbook for running multiple operating systems (Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and CentOS 8) as guest OSes using VMware Workstation Pro on a Windows host.

1. Install VMware Workstation Pro on Windows 11/10

1. Download VMware Workstation Pro (Trial/Free for Students & Non-commercial use)
   🔗 VMware Workstation Pro
   (VMware provides a free trial, and students can apply for academic licenses via VMware Academic Program.)
2. Run Installer
   • Double-click the .exe file.
   • Accept license agreement.
   • Choose installation folder (default: C:\Program Files (x86)\VMware\VMware Workstation).
   • Enable Enhanced Keyboard Driver if needed.
   • Complete installation and restart Windows.
3. Activate License (Optional)
   • If using free trial → continue without key.
   • If purchased → enter license key.

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2. Prepare Guest OS ISO Files

Download ISO images of the guest operating systems:

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Desktop/Server) → Download Ubuntu 24.04 ISO
• CentOS 8 Stream → Download CentOS Stream 8 ISO

Save both ISOs in a folder (e.g., D:\VM_ISOs).

3. Create Ubuntu 24.04 VM

1. Open VMware Workstation Pro → Click Create a New Virtual Machine.
2. Select Typical (recommended) → Next.
3. Choose Installer disc image file (ISO) → Browse to ubuntu-24.04.iso.
4. Enter details:
   • Username & password
   • Product key (not required for Ubuntu)
5. Assign resources:
   • CPU: 2 cores minimum
   • RAM: 4 GB minimum
   • Disk: 30 GB (recommended SSD storage)
6. Select Store virtual disk as a single file → Finish.
7. Start the VM and complete the Ubuntu installation.

4. Create CentOS 8 VM

1. In VMware Workstation Pro, click Create a New Virtual Machine.
2. Select Installer disc image file (ISO) → Browse to CentOS-Stream-8.iso.
3. Assign resources:
   • CPU: 2–4 cores
   • RAM: 4 GB minimum
   • Disk: 25–30 GB
4. Choose Linux → CentOS 8 64-bit as OS type.
5. Complete installation following CentOS setup wizard.

5. Post-Installation Setup

After both VMs are installed:

✅ Install VMware Tools for better performance:

• In VMware menu → VM → Install VMware Tools → Follow installation inside Ubuntu & CentOS.

✅ Networking Setup

• Use NAT (shares host network) for internet access.
• Use Bridged (directly on LAN) for server-like behavior.

✅ Snapshots

• Take snapshots before major changes:
  • VM → Snapshot → Take Snapshot → Name (e.g., “Fresh Install”).

✅ Shared Folders

• VM Settings → Options → Shared Folders → Enable → Add Windows folder for file sharing.

6. Possible Guest OS Options

Besides Ubuntu & CentOS, you can also run:

• Debian → Debian ISO Download
• Fedora → Fedora ISO Download
• Kali Linux (Pen-testing) → Kali Linux ISO Download
• Windows 10/11 (Evaluation) → Windows ISO Download
• FreeBSD → FreeBSD ISO Download

⚡ With this setup, your Windows PC becomes a multi-OS powerhouse where you can run Ubuntu 24.04 and CentOS 8 side by side, test applications, simulate servers, and switch environments with ease.