Speaking of test multiple Linux distributions on the same computerPerhaps the first thing you think about is installing a virtual machine and it is certainly one of the most used options. But this time you We talked about a way to do it without adding anything extra.
And is that given so much variety that Linux offers, you probably like to see how a certain distribution works because you need it for a specific task or simply out of curiosity. Well that no longer has to be overwhelming work, With DistroTest you will do it online and easily.
In this course you will learn how to test any distro that catches your eye directly from the web browser with DistroTest, along with other similar alternatives that you can use to perform the test without installing anything additional on your computer.
What is DistroTest and what is this website for?
DistroTest is a web portal that has an extensive list of Linux distributions that the interested party can try without installing or downloading anything. According to data collected, it brings together about 232 operating systems of which there are more than 900 versions. The site uses an open source emulator called QEMU, which provides virtualization tools that allow you to run all types of Linux software. Although the interface is not the most attractive of all, fulfills the purpose for which it was created.
It probably does not have the same performance as having the OS installed on the PC, but the functions are similar. In this case you can add applications, remove tools and format the disk, all in live mode. Still, amid the limitations, it’s a quick option to find out how the distribution works.
Learn step by step how to test any Linux distribution without having to install it with DistroTest
It is true that there are other ways to test the operation of Linux distributions, but doing it through DistroTest prevents you from going through the download and installation process and that in the end you have to eliminate it because it did not fulfill what you expected.
The way to do the test is very simple, just follow these few steps:
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Sign in to the portal
distrotest.net. - On the home page you will see all the distros arranged in alphabetical order.
- Click on the distro you want to test and shows you the versions that are available.
- In this window you have the option “Details” which shows details of the distro, such as minimum requirements that must have the computer in which it is going to be installed.
- The other option is “Start“If you click there, in a while it will show you the operating system and tell you that you have 30 minutes to perform the test, although you can request an additional 15 at the end.
- Username and password used to log in are the same across all distros.
- The fluency will depend on the bandwidth that you have at the time of entering the web.
When this test, you already have a first image of what you will get if you decide to install it. Many times the process can be slow and you will not have the same performance as a virtual machine, but not bad for a quick review.
List of the best alternatives to DistroTest that you can use to test Linux distributions without installing them
In addition to DistroTest, there are other websites that allow Linux lovers to answer your questions on which distribution to host on your computer. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but a common goal: to test software without the need to install anything.
Here we are going to leave you three options that you should take into account:
OnWorks.net
It is a platform similar to DistroTest, with the difference that also allows Windows tests. To use OnWorks no need to register. The web, apart from showing us the Linux distros, includes some pre-installed programs by default. You just need to enter and navigate between the available options. Keep in mind that when be a free option and that performs live simulations, the performance is not the most optimal.
JSLinux
This website is very similar to the previous ones. It works with an emulator that allows you to run either Linux or any other operating system that you have previously loaded. Unlike OnWorks or DistroTest, the list of available distros is limited to eight. Its beginnings date back to 2011, but over the years it has had some evolutions that have allowed it to provide a better service and expand its range of action. If you want to try it, enter your website bellard.org/jslinux/.
Jor1k
This emulator is accessed on its website s-macke.github.io/jor1k/demos/main.html and its creators claim that it is a little slower than a real machine when executing the distributions and that was the first to have network support . The way to work is by means of commands and you only need to type the address. When the browser is placed in graphical mode you can see how the operating system works.
You already have at hand the ways to analyze the distro you plan to install on your operating system. We want to finish, point out that in most cases only 1GB of disk space is allowed for testing distribution and that we will not have an internet connection for other tasks.