This archive contains answers to questions sent to Unidata support through mid-2025. Note that the archive is no longer being updated. We provide the archive for reference; many of the answers presented here remain technically correct, even if somewhat outdated. For the most up-to-date information on the use of NSF Unidata software and data services, please consult the Software Documentation first.
Hi Jim, Jeff Weber of Unidata User Support commented: If you do not have a *nix OS on any machine and do not want to purchase one, we have had success running a JVM (java virtual machine) inside a windows OS. Actually, Jeff meant to say that we have had good success in running the LDM in VMware and Openbox Linux virtual machines. In fact, I run CentOS 6.3 x86_64 on my Windows 7 laptop (which is a Dell Studio 14 that runs an Intel I7 processor; has 8 GB of RAM; and an ATI video card). This virtual machine environment provides my development environment (I develop and support McIDAS-X for Unidata) and a platform in which I can run standard Unidata software offerings (e.g., McIDAS-X, GEMPAK, IDV (although the IDV runs better in the native Win7 enviornment), and the LDM). re: > OK, that would be good. What do I need to do? The short answer is: - download VMware Player from www.vmware.com - install VMware Player on your Windows machine - download a Linux virtual appliance for VMware You can find links to a wide variety of Linux virtual appliances on the VMware website. I strongly recommend running CentOS as it is the free version of RedHat Enterprise; it is well supported and a growing percentage of the Unidata community is moving to using it. - install the Linux virtual appliance in VMware player - configure your Linux virtual machine This will be the same as if your were installing Linux on your machine. You will need to create user accounts, install a development environment, etc. - download and install the LDM in the 'ldm' account in your Linux virtual machine There are a number of installation-configuration related items that you will run into once you get going (e.g., installation of a development environment; installation of needed fonts; creation of user accounts; etc.). The biggest one (which is not too difficult) is the sharing of file system(s) between your Windows and Linux environments. This is done through a VMware add-on, and it is easy to install. By the way, a number of folks in the Unidata community are moving down the virtual machine/appliance path, and a number of those folks are not using VMware. For instance, one good alternative to VMware Player is Openbox. Which virtualization package you end up using is entirely up to you. Cheers, Tom -- **************************************************************************** Unidata User Support UCAR Unidata Program (303) 497-8642 P.O. Box 3000 address@hidden Boulder, CO 80307 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unidata HomePage http://www.unidata.ucar.edu **************************************************************************** Ticket Details =================== Ticket ID: MTL-429470 Department: Support IDD Priority: Normal Status: Closed