VM or Second OS

I am an engineering student and I would like to try this package before I use illegal copies of software.

I have no experience with linux and essentially no computer programming skills (we take a class on basic C programming so we can write MATLAB m-files, etc.)

Should I just use the virtual machine package or should I try to install a second OS. I have two computers:

A desktop with 2 gb ram, AMD 2ghz processor, and a Nvidia graphics chipset without dedicated memory. OS: Windows XP

An HP laptop (dv9000 series) 2Ghz dual core processor, 4 gb ram, 512mb dedicated graphics memory (Geforce 8000 notebook series). OS: Windows Vista

My plan is to put the software on the desktop first (it is old and if I cause any problems it has issues as it is). I would then install on the laptop. This is assuming I put the second OS on both. I plan to use the linux OS for CAE work and Windows for anything else (at least until I get used to linux).

Thanks in advance for any advice,
- Matt Bondy

When installing it in a dual boot configuration you will have all possibilities of your hardware. This is limited when using it in a virtual enviroment.

I have CAELINUX runing in a virtual box virtual machine. And I had to update pclinuxos to the latest test version. Salome-Meca still works. Before I hade chrashes opening the mesh module of Salome.

Johnny

I finally managed to download the iso. I plan to install with as a second OS.

Thanks for the advice.