UML

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User-Mode Linux

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[edit] What is User-Mode Linux?

From the official home page:

User-Mode Linux is a safe, secure way of running Linux versions and Linux processes. Run buggy software, experiment with new Linux kernels or distributions, and poke around in the internals of Linux, all without risking your main Linux setup.
User-Mode Linux gives you a virtual machine that may have more hardware and software virtual resources than your actual, physical computer. Disk storage for the virtual machine is entirely contained inside a single file on your physical machine. You can assign your virtual machine only the hardware access you want it to have. With properly limited access, nothing you do on the virtual machine can change or damage your real computer, or its software.

[edit] Uses of User-Mode Linux

User-Mode Linux can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including but not limited to:

  • Running more than one linux distribution (for example, run Gentoo and a Debian at the same time).
  • Running more than one kernel (for example 2.4 and 2.6 or special kernel versions, useful for some drivers that compile only against the 2.4).
    • Better for modules not included in the kernel you are using for your non-UML Gentoo.
      • Installing modules that can be built only against a specific kernel version.
      • Running proprietary or untrusted software with less risk.
  • Network testing or hacking game/test
  • Creating honeypots.
  • Partitioning hardware resources (for hosting).
  • Safer hosting.
  • Debugging just about anything, but particularly suited for low level software such as kernel, kernel modules and hardware.

[edit] Wiki articles

[edit] External links

[edit] Articles

[edit] Utilities

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