So I got this bet going with my Associate Director that I can install, configure, and successfully deploy an Oracle Clinical 4.5 instance on my own on the first attempt, and within a week.

So I completely reformatted my spare AMD 2400XP box for Win2k, realizing that I'd have to run both the primary and middle tiers on one machine -- having been told that its possible to do so. However, going through the 162 page installation document, the requirements section list specifically -

Quote :

"1.2.1.6.5 Back end and front end on separate Oracle homes A Windows 2000 back end cannot share a computer with the Web Server or Reports Server components. The back end DLLs are incompatible with the front end DLLs."

So what I want to do is take my current desktop, put a VMware win2k image on it and then run it as the middle tier.

However, VMWare esta mucho expensive (more than what the bet is). Are there any good alternatives out there that do what VMware does that someone would recommend?

12/9/2005 4:44:30 PM

Why not run VMware?

http://www.vmware.com/download/ws/eval.html

From the FAQ:

Quote :

"Q: What is the difference between the evaluation copy and the full version available for purchase? A: The evaluation copy is a fully functional version of VMware Workstation. There are no differences, except that the evaluation copy's license expires in 30 days"

12/9/2005 4:54:24 PM

Quote :

"except that the evaluation copy's license expires in 30 days"

WHile the terms of the bet may have been for a week, if I end up losing purely based on the time it takes I'd like to get this installed successfully regardless. Consultants get paid big bucks all over the world to set up this environment, and my assoc. director has dropped hints that it would behoove us as potential consultants to learn how to install and configure this software and not just "use" it.

So I need something that will last longer than 30 days. (Although I have 10 bucks on me being able to pull it off in a week)

12/9/2005 5:01:20 PM

Ah. Makes more sense.

12/9/2005 5:02:47 PM

Probably not much more help, but MS has a 45 day trial of their Virtual PC product.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=360cafd6-5098-4c64-9ca7-a30f225859f6&DisplayLang=en

12/9/2005 5:33:52 PM

for a test environment, I would recommend VMWare Workstation, you should be able to easily setup and run an OS and effecively have two separate machines on one PC. VMWare does need LOTS of memory, especially if you plan on it not being slow as crap. I use Workstation at work, it comes in really handy for being able to use multiple OS test environments on one computer.

You wouldnt want to use Workstation for a production environment though.

12/9/2005 6:26:37 PM

last semester when i was in ece331 i was able to download virtual pc for free (legally). i'm not sure what your major is, but i'd reccomend finding somebody who is in ece and knows how to do this and go that route

[Edited on December 9, 2005 at 6:41 PM. Reason : nvm u done graduated...find an ece student ;-)]

12/9/2005 6:41:12 PM

Try the evaluation copy of GSX server. You might be able to get around the trial period by using GSX's ability to export/import virtual machines.

Quote :

"if I end up losing purely based on the time it takes "

I wouldn't worry about lost time setting up VMware. It's very easy to set up and use. Also, VMware has a much larger following than VirtualPC, so it's probably worth the time to experience it.

VMware's memory requirements aren't that big a deal. Unless you have a ridiculously small amount of memory, VMware will run, though possibly a little slow (as mentioned ^^). If you do use VMware, make sure you install VMware Tools on the guest OS. It has a pretty significant effect on system response.

[Edited on December 9, 2005 at 8:18 PM. Reason : ]

12/9/2005 8:17:52 PM

After speaking with a colleague of mine, he said that its possible to install both tiers on the same machine. I trust this guy to know what he's talking about.

So the need is no longer there. Thanks for all the suggestions though guys.

12/10/2005 7:58:03 AM

VMWare player is free. Its actually pretty robust.

12/10/2005 11:10:00 AM

wow, I didnt realize that VMWare Player was even available

This might come in handy at work

http://www.vmware.com/products/player/

12/10/2005 11:29:02 AM