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OSX: Running Linux under Parallels on OSX
Sat, 02 Dec 2006

The goal here is to use this teeny little Mac to produce both the Mac and Linux builds of my applications. I picked up Parallels as it seemed a pretty decent package and none-too-pricey, but it doesn't seem to like running via VNC remote use too much -- something about the mouse acceleration in 3 layers confuses it (my local machine, the OSX remote desktop, and the emulated OS, all fighting.) So using the mouse is a pain while going through VNC, which is entirely the point of this exercise. Still, I've figured out a pretty workable solution.

First, it took me awhile to find the X11 server for OSX 10.4; while the Apple website insisted in no uncertain terms the application was on the install DVD, I couldn't locate it. Trying to install the official download for OSX 10.3.9 didn't work either, as it refused to install. After awhile I figured out the problem -- the installer DVD did in fact have a Optional package on it, but they made it hard to see -- and not just to me, judging from the hundreds of annoyed people I found online :) Anyway, their install disk pops up a directory panel with just a few icons in it, wihch suggests that is all; in fact, the disk has a dozen other directories in it, but they hid the icons away off the panel. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but the way they presented it tricked me. Annoying, but shameful. Thats Apple for you :)

Second, I installed Ubuntu Linux 6.0.6 into Parallels; we'll see if that version has common enough kernel and libs to be used with other peoples installs, later; for now, its nice to have a vanilla install, and then a beefed up compiler-ready development version, all switchable back and forth through using the virtual machines. It runs fast enough inside the emulation, but the mouse and keyboard are flaky due to the VNC and Parallels disliking each other.

Thirdly, the reason I installed an Xserver: One of the great things about X is you can run an application somewhere else, and send its display to your local XServer (or someone elses, for the mischief-inclined.) Once Ubuntu is up, I fire up an xterm (shell window), and then invoke another xterm but this point pointed to my X server on OSX. Thats confusing if you're an emulation newbie, but consider -- OSX is running X11, and Parallels; Parallels is in turn running Linux with an xterm that it is displaying back on OSX. At this point you can minimize and ignore Parallels, and just work in OSX -- sharing the Linux X applications along side OSX applications. No more mouse or keyboard fighting with VNC, since VNC works great with OSX itself.

I'll fill in the cracks later, but this proof of concept is what I wanted. Building applications for both Linux and OSX on one machine. Success!

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