Having hard time trying VMware and setting up testing server for application development, I came across unbelievable opensource not-a-toy solution – Cooperative Linux. CoLinux is working free and open source method for optimally (means fast) running Linux on Windows natively. It allows run Linux on Windows 2000/XP in a way which is much more optimal than using any general purpose PC virtualization software, without using a commercial PC virtualization software such as VMware. It is fast enough that I’m able to use Linux desktop applications alongside Windows seamlessly. 

Technically it is a port of the Linux kernel that allows it to run cooperatively alongside another OS. From Windows point of view it acts like a kind of low-level driver.

What’s so good about it is that CoLinux is able to mount regular windows folder (not network share). VMware does not allow it in free version. Networking support is pretty complete, ranging from no-brainer to advanced options.

I should consider It was bit tricky to configure, but you always need to setup thing first time. Official Wiki helps alot. Now it works flawlessly. CoLinux works such smooth that I even apt-ed KDE and stuff) and alt-tabbing between WinXP desktop and Konqueror and stuff Rendered by Xming X Server for Windows, it feels somewhat native.

Amazing, practically equals to native, speeds of non-gui components allows to arrange  perfect environment for web server application development.

You can download the latest released version here or unannounced application  development snapshots here. If you feeling geeky try snapshots first, do not miss almost a year of improvements.

CoLinux for dummies is a not-so-technical guide is a recommended further reading.