Linux Emulators: 8 Excellent Options to Use

A Linux emulator is everything you need to browse the features of other systems like Android and enjoy the tools and games you like the most. 

But for this to be possible, you need 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 you need to know and test. Just continue reading. Check it out! 

What is a Linux emulator and what is it for?

A Linux emulator is a software that allows you to use a different operating system in parallel to the one that already exists on your device. 

It can be used to run older programs that are originally not compatible with your device model. Or even to play and run applications that are typical mobile, from 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 "tools" toolbox, if you work in the IT field.

You may need to access 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 when you were a teenager. 

So the emulator can provide more fun, if you are looking for the emulator with the purpose of entertainment.

8 Linux emulator options

Thinking of helping you better understand which are the best emulators to use on Linux, our team selected 8 options that 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 of development or testing of Linux security. 

Thus, it is possible to access the Shell terminal without needing to switch to graphical desktop or interface.

2. Genymotion

To emulate Android on Linux, the solution is Genymotion. This software is simple and lightweight to run, which is why it has become famous in the digital environment. 

One of the prerequisites for it to work is the prior installation of VirtualBox, a virtual machine software that will make the connection between the systems. 

Once done, just access the software's main site and download it. Follow the installation instructions and, if needed, search for forums and videos on YouTube.

3. Hyper-V

Incredibly enough, this emulator was developed by Microsoft and can run various Linux distributions, in addition to offering exclusive features such as:

• possibility of cloud backup;
• encryption and data management;
• high security and reliability.

The only disadvantage of the emulator is RAM and hardware consumption, which may not pay off. 

4. Anbox

Anbox is another option for an Android emulator, 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. 

This way, the operating system is completely separate from Android and does not consume your hardware's potential. 

You can browse any Android version you need, and it is secure and integrated, allowing you to explore various features. 

5. QEMU

A major highlight of QEMU's differentiator is its hardware optimization and support. Because it is a stable system developed from the C language, it has a good structure. 

Additionally, it offers automatic saving — when you exit, everything will be saved instantly. You only need to restart when you come back. 

For everything to work correctly, you will need good RAM and reasonable CPU power, in order to have uniform performance without hardware issues. 

6. Terminator

The Terminator emulator stands out when thinking about organizing terminals in a single space — like a single window. 

With this, we save time, layout and performance. It is also possible to trigger various 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

Yet another terminal emulator option, Tilda can be your great ally in terms of mobility and layout — its differentiator is the characteristic of moving across the screen using the spacebar key control. 

Also, something that catches attention is its customization capability. Both its shortcuts and the appearance of the interface can be changed the way you want. 

It's interesting that the search bar that comes with the software is also intelligent and accepts searches in lowercase and uppercase letters. Overall, you can activate it with the F command. 

Later, if you wish, you can also change this configuration according to your work needs or reality of use. 

8. Xterm

Xterm is not a new emulator. It has existed since 1984, originally designed for Windows systems. 

Even so, it is totally possible to install Xterm in Linux graphical packages, ensuring high compatibility without harming the system. 

It is also an open-source system with a terminal function that can execute specific command lines. 

Conclusion

Did you notice how the Linux emulator is an interesting tool for optimizing and improving the routines of developers and IT professionals? 

Even if you are just starting to study the Linux universe, you can still understand how emulators work and do some testing. 

But the best way to learn about Linux, without a doubt, is through a good online course with a teacher who truly masters the subject and is experienced. 
This perfect combination you can find in all Linux Certification courses, coordinated and taught by Professor Uirá Ribeiro.