There are a lot of free applications out there, but which ones are actually worth using and what are the pros and cons? The answer to this depends on your situation. If you just need a simple application to boot your computer up, then free tools like Virtual Clone CD or Boot Camp Assistant will work well. They don't cost anything, but they also don't do anything more than just running a program. For true desktop use, you should go with a more advanced application.
One of the biggest concerns with Virtual CD is the fact that Windows doesn't run natively on it. Most programs out there are a combination of a portable application and Windows itself. However, Windows does run on CD. You can just boot up your system and transfer files over the data cable. A few applications can even read Windows discs instead of having to install them, allowing you to move your entire system over. Applications that support such features usually come at a cost, but for many users they're worth it.
Windows itself is a big reason why so many people use free programs. It's a proven system that works every time but only has so much memory to work with. If you're planning on installing more than one operating system onto your computer, then Virtual Clone CD is the only way to go. You can use it to copy your entire system over, while still leaving all the files and settings you had on it intact. Make sure you get a program that's able to be installed as a native application or it may not work well.
