Emulators for Linux - 8 excellent options to use
A Linux emulator is all you need to be able to navigate the features of other systems such as Android and enjoy the tools and games that you like the most.
But for this to be possible, it is necessary to choose a good Linux emulator and know how to install it correctly.
Thinking of helping you, the Linux Certification team developed this complete content, with the 8 main Linux emulators that you need to know and test. Just continue reading. Check it out!
What is a Linux emulator and what is it for?
It can be used to run older programs, which are not originally compatible with your device model. Or even to play and run applications that are typical mobile apps, Android systems, for example.
If you are already used to using Windows and want to test Linux and its features, you can simply use a Linux emulator and browse this system without affecting your main one.
The point is the ease of access and functionality that the emulator can bring to your daily life, complementing your “toolbox” if you work in the IT area.
You may need to access specific Mac and Windows tools on your computer, such as the terminals of each operating system.
Also, you may be feeling nostalgic and want to access an “old” game from the time you were a teenager.
Thus, the emulator can provide more fun if you are looking for the emulator for the purpose of entertainment.
8 emulator options for Linux
In order to help you better understand which are the best emulators to use on Linux, our team selected 8 options, which you can choose and adapt to. Check it out!
1. GNOME Terminal
GNOME Terminal, as the name suggests, is a terminal emulator, ideal for those who want to tinker with system configuration and security.
Through it, it is possible to explore the various Linux commands and useful shortcuts to facilitate the routine development or testing of Linux security.
Thus, it is possible to access the Shell terminal without having to change the graphical desktop or interface.
2. Genymotion
To emulate Android on Linux, the solution is Genymotion. This software is simple and light to execute, which is why it has gained fame in the digital environment.
One of the prerequisites for it to work is the prior installation of VirtualBox, a virtual machine software that will connect the systems.
Once this is done, simply access the software’s main website and download it. Follow the installation instructions and, if necessary, search for forums and videos on YouTube.
3. Hyper-V
Incredible as it may seem, this emulator was developed by Microsoft and can run several Linux distributions, in addition to presenting exclusive features, such as:
- possibility of cloud backup;
- encryption and data management;
- high security and reliability.
The only drawback of the emulator is the consumption of RAM and hardware, which may not compensate.
4. Anbox
Anbox is another Android emulator option, which can be installed in a container on Linux. According to information available on the official website, it is capable of integrating various GNU Linux resources.
Thus, the operating system is completely separate from Android and does not consume the potential of your hardware.
You can browse any Android version you need, besides being secure and integrated, allowing you to explore various features.
5. QEMU
A major distinguishing feature of QEMU is its optimization and hardware support. Because it is a stable system, developed from the C language, it has a good structure.
In addition, it offers automatic saving — when you exit, everything will be instantly saved. You just have to restart when you return.
For everything to work properly, you will need good RAM and reasonable CPU power in order to have a consistent performance without hardware problems.
6. Terminator
The Terminator emulator stands out when we think of organizing terminals in a single space — like a single window.
With this, we save time, layout, and performance. It is also possible to activate several different commands with the set of shortcuts and keys, which can facilitate the daily work of many professionals.
Its current language is Java — the previous version was developed in Python. Because of this, it becomes a more dependent emulator than the others.
7. Tilda
Another terminal emulator option, Tilda can be your great ally in terms of mobility and layout - its differential is the characteristic of movement around the screen using the control of space keys.
Also, something that draws attention is its customization capacity. Both your shortcuts and the appearance of the interface can be changed however you want.
It’s interesting that the search bar that comes with the software is also intelligent and accepts searches in lower case and uppercase letters. In general, you can activate it with the F command.
Later, if you wish, you can also change this configuration according to the needs of your job or reality of use.
8. Xterm
Xterm isn’t a new emulator. It has existed since 1984, originally designed for Windows systems.
Even so, it is entirely possible to install Xterm in Linux graphic packages, guaranteeing high compatibility without harming the system.
It is also an open source system with a terminal function, which can execute specific command lines.
Conclusion
Even if you’re starting to study the Linux universe, you can still understand how emulators work and do some tests.