User harryting commented: "It's important to note that each virtual machine (VM) requires its own separate Windows operating system license unless you are covered by an enterprise licensing agreement. For more detailed information, you can check out this page: http://download.microsoft.com/downl...g_Windows_Desktop_OS_for_Virtual_Machines.pdf or visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/product-licensing/virtualization.aspx.
In summary, according to the document (specifically on page 6 in the final section), the primary user of the PC must have active Windows Software Assurance, which allows the operation of up to four virtual machines at the same time. Keep in mind that this applies to Windows 10 Pro and that remote desktop access is not permitted."
VAN mentioned: "I recall coming across some information that hinted at a potential loophole regarding this topic. You can check the details here: [Microsoft Virtual Machines Licensing](http://download.microsoft.com/downl...g_Windows_Desktop_OS_for_Virtual_Machines.pdf) or visit [Microsoft's Licensing Page](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/product-licensing/virtualization.aspx). In essence, the policy states that the PC or its primary user must have active Windows Software Assurance to run up to four virtual machines simultaneously, as noted on the last section of page 6. It's important to remember that this applies to Windows 10 Pro, and remote desktop access is not permitted. I seem to recall that these virtual machines might only be counted if Microsoft Hyper-V is used, though I might be mistaken."
Unitronics has released its innovative software, Unilogic, which is incompatible with computers that already have Rockwell software installed. For optimal performance, ensure your system is free of Rockwell applications before installing Unilogic.
According to user rupej, the latest software from Unitronics, known as Unilogic, experiences compatibility issues when Rockwell software is present on the same computer. Additionally, in my personal experience, I've found that Unitronics software often fails to function correctly, regardless of any other software installed alongside it. It's quite surprising to see so many bugs in a commercially available software package.
According to ASF, investing in VMware is a smart decision. By creating a dedicated virtual machine (VM) for each software original equipment manufacturer (OEM) you need to support, and limiting your host machine to just VMware, a reliable cloud storage solution, and possibly TeamViewer, you'll significantly reduce potential issues in the future. The benefits far outweigh the initial investment in VMware.
This recommendation cannot be emphasized enough! An organized collection of VMs, combined with routine backups to an external hard drive, is invaluable. In the unfortunate event of a laptop failure, you can be operational in minutes after acquiring a replacement, rather than facing days of downtime. You can purchase a Windows 7 Pro license on eBay for around £5, which serves as an excellent clean installation base—this can then be duplicated and used for various applications.
For instance, I have dedicated VMs for Siemens, Rockwell, and a few rare software tools. While I may not be overly concerned with Windows licensing issues, those who prefer to err on the side of caution might want to acquire a separate license for each VM. Overall, investing in VMware is certainly a decision worth making!
In the past, I successfully ran multiple software packages on a single PC, including Rockwell’s FTView and Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal 13, Bosch IndraWorks 13, and Codesys. However, this setup was an exception to my typical practice. Generally, I prefer to maintain each vendor's software on separate virtual machines (VMs) for better organization. Personally, I favor using VMware due to its user-friendly interface. It's worth noting that if you plan to use it for commercial use, a license is required (older versions of VMware, such as version 3 or 4, may not require a license). While VirtualBox is a free alternative, I find some features less intuitive, which is why I lean towards VMware for my virtualization needs.
VMware is undoubtedly a valuable investment for businesses. Additionally, the transition to virtualized SCADA environments offers significant advantages. By deploying a virtual machine (VM) on a server alongside your production systems, you can seamlessly run essential software. This setup also allows you to access the same application on a laptop, providing flexibility and convenience for operations throughout the plant. Embracing VMware not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that critical applications are readily available wherever you need them.
Since I operate on a Linux distribution, I manage all my Windows applications through virtual machines. For nearly a decade, I've relied on VirtualBox without any significant problems. I even utilize it on my home server to ensure that my email, file sharing, and media sharing remain organized and distinct on a headless Linux server. This setup allows for streamlined operations and enhanced security.
Jonnie_R commented: As a user of a Linux-based distribution, I manage all my Windows applications through virtual machines. For nearly a decade, I've relied on VirtualBox without encountering significant problems. I even utilize it on my home server to keep my email, file sharing, and media sharing organized separately on a headless Linux server. However, I've faced some challenges with USB connections and occasional networking configurations. My setup includes both USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, but I've noticed some peculiarities with the USB settings that Dell implemented. Although I have three USB slots available, VirtualBox can only access two of them simultaneously, which can be an issue when I'm pressed for time.
This experience illustrates the benefits and potential limitations of using virtual machines on Linux systems, particularly when it comes to managing peripheral devices and network settings.
According to ASF's insights, Unitronics software tends to malfunction regardless of any additional installations. They noted a significant prevalence of bugs in this commercially released software, which has left many users frustrated. Personally, I found using Visilogic extremely exasperating, but I've noticed that Unilogic offers a far superior experience. I'm curious, which specific issues did you face while using it?
Hey Jonnie_R! Are you utilizing the OEM license that comes with your laptop for your virtual machines (VMs)? Have you encountered any USB or driver-related issues when running a different host operating system? Additionally, do you have any recommended resources or reading materials on this topic?
AustralIan inquired: "Jonnie_R, are you utilizing the OEM license that came with your laptop for your virtual machines (VMs)? Are you facing any USB or driver-related issues with a different host operating system? Is there any recommended reading material?"
In response, I mentioned that I possess an older collection of licenses from various devices and have not upgraded any of my systems beyond Windows 7. I haven’t experienced any USB issues related to VirtualBox; however, I did encounter a problem recently tied to user permissions in Linux. Occasionally, I do face network glitches when I change my network adapter while the guest machine is running, but a simple restart usually resolves that.
If you're using a Linux distribution, it's crucial to review the installation notes specific to your distro, as they can vary. Ensure you have the correct extension pack and install the guest utilities. On my server, I manage everything from the command line since I don’t use a graphical user interface, but the user manual provides all the necessary information. If you’re looking for guidance, sometimes it’s just more convenient to search on Google.
User rupej shared their frustrating experience with Visilogic, describing it as utterly exasperating. In comparison, they found Unilogic to be significantly superior. What specific issues did you encounter with Visilogic?
To elaborate, my experience consisted of utilizing Visilogic, and my least favorite "feature" was the frequent runtime errors and system crashes when attempting to use the HMI remote display function. I eventually discovered through their technical support that to prevent the software from crashing, I needed to create a shortcut for the application, right-click on it, select "Run as Administrator," and then open my project file after the software had launched. Unfortunately, if I attempted to directly open the project file, the software would crash upon trying to access the HMI remote display, even when attempting the administrator option on the project file. It's quite aggravating, to say the least!
I have Studio 5000 set up alongside various other software solutions for PLC, HMI, and control systems. This configuration is necessary due to challenges with virtual machines obtaining full access to the corporate network. Additionally, I maintain licenses on a Rockwell dongle for situations where I might need to operate a computer that lacks the complete suite of corporate software.