Portable Ubuntu for Windows
Running Ubuntu couldn’t get any easier. Portable Ubuntu for Windows makes it as easy as download and double-click! Portable Ubuntu for Windows is a simple ~500mb download that extracts to a 1.8 GB application, ready to be run from your USB drive of choice.
Portable Ubuntu for Windows works by using a cooperative linux driver. This driver allows the host (Windows) and guest (Linux) to share resources. It’s an interesting type or virtualization worth taking a look at.
It is important to note that the documentation is sparse, a 64-bit version isn’t available as of writing, and it can’t be considered a true portable app as it does require administrative rights to run. It also needs to install a small co-linux driver at startup so this might not work from your typical Internet cafe computer.
Still Portable Ubuntu for Windows offers a really nice user experience. The Linux elements works seamlessly with the Windows GUI. If you’re looking to run the occasional Linux app in Windows or just get your feet wet and don’t want to go the traditional VM route give it a try. It may not the fastest VM out there but it’s got huge potential.