How to run Android on your Windows PC

Introduction

The android phones provide wider variety of features and also give you exciting software to use. This makes the cost of android phones quite high. So If you purchase an android phone and later find that the operating system is not easy to get on with, the purchase might prove to be a costly mistake. To avoid doing this mistake, you have the option of running the android operating system in a safer environment first. By doing this, you will be able to avoid messing up with the expensive phone. Your personal computer provides the best platform for running the android OS. You can use a USB or a live CD for fulfilling this purpose. No changes are required in the PC and you can undertake the process without undertaking any serious commitment.

Android on your Windows PC

Complexity level: Moderately challenging

Time required: 1 to 2 hours

Resources required:

1. The personal computer

2. An internet connection

3. A USB stick

4. A USB storage disc

Instructions

Download the Android OS and install it on the PC

You can find the project details and the download links at http://google.com/p/live-android. The download is provided in a two part ISO file and the basic information about the project is also given. After selecting the download tab, you will be provided the information on all the further versions of release. The torrent file provides for full ISO download. While downloading the two part file, a software is required for knitting the two parts together. HJSplit can fulfill this purpose. It is free and provided at http://www.hjsplit.org/

2.After downloading and installing the file, you can choose the option of 'join', which is given on the initial screen.

3.Click on the input file option and then select the first of two files making up the ISO image.

4.Select the first file and then click 'open'.

5.You can then click start for joining the two files together.

6.Browse to the folder at which you have saved the files and close HJSplit. You will find a file named liveandroidv0.3.iso. You will have to burn this ISO image to a DVD or CD.

7.You can use CD burner XP for burning discs from ISO files.

Installing from the USB:

Boot the system with Android x86 file

You can start the process by booting the system with the Android x86 file. Use the Win32 Disc Imager or the UNetBootIN and push the same file in the USB storage disc.

Using the BIOS option

Once you have loaded the Android x86 into the USB drive, you can load the USB into the PC. Now you can boot the PC from the USB drive by the BIOS option which is provided with the drive. On completion of the process, the PC must be restarted.

installing of the Android OS from the USB

You will not need to install the Android OS on the hard disc and the installation of the android OS will be automatically initiated form the USB itself.

Format the system by using the EXT3 format

You will then have to chose the partition where the android installation will take place. On completion of the installation process, you must to the formatting by using the EXT3 format. The option of GRUB boot loader will be provided to you then.

Reboot the system and run Android OS

After successfully completing all the above steps, run the Android OS after rebooting the system.

Frequently asked questions:

1.Can the software be downloaded from internet?

Ans. You can find the down load links and project information on http://code.google/plive-android.

Can any PC be booted from the USB?

The PC must support USB booting. In case it does not, it cannot be booted form the USB.

How to standardize the hardware?

Virtualization can be used for standardizing the hardware.

Quick tips

1. Run the computer successfully on the Android OS after successfully installing the system.

2. The installation of the system successfully will make you able to enjoy many android applications, enhancements and features.

3. The data backup can be created on the OS in the USB stick which can be used on another system if the PC fails to perform.

4. If you have access to internet, you can visit the android market apps store and download any number of applications of your choice.

Things to watch out for:

1. Use a quality USB stick to avoid USB disconnection during the installation process.

2. Visit only trusted websites and check the sources before downloading any software.