Fine by me, I think my phrase "raw computing power" pretty much covers it, but I take your point about it not being a suitable comparison when running the RAM up to speed.
I've never had an issue, although I don't rely on the default repo version preferring to use the most recent version on the Virtualbox website. Or are you referring to having to also install the extension pack which is supplied separate because it's supplied under a different (non-GPL) licence (still trivial to do, mind)?
"Me neither" and "likewise" respectively. I suspect BH is going through the "Software Manager" or "Synaptic Package Manager", which doesn't always get you the latest stuff.
Clearly it does.
Some configurations protect data much better than others. Not like you to take such a casual attitude towards this stuff.
10 would be the one - a stripe of mirrors.
It's not like I won't - it's just not at the top of the list yet. "Mirror" is sufficient summary of a future intention, and "does it matter?" simply means I don't want to be pinned down yet.
So what you want is CPU emulation but that will be at the cost of a big performance hit.
This may be a coincidence. I had trouble starting it this morning even without the Ethernet cable (or HDMI). I was beginning to think it was terminal until it started on the umpteenth attempt.
Availability.
Is it sitting on an anti-static bag or other form of insulation? I'm just wondering if any part of the MoBo is shorting underneath. Just to be sure I'd also try swapping the ethernet lead as well. Certainly this isn't right.
Might be my sleep starvation, but clarification is required: are you referring to it's relative position from the master socket on a power-strip relative to other devices (power related) or RF interference? If the latter I wouldn't be surprised as after all it should really be in a case (Faraday cage).
No, you have the measure of it otherwise what would be the point of virtualising the O/S if not to make it portable across different platforms? At the risk of dishing out your own advice, I'd take the time to read the manual to familiarise yourself with how Virtualbox works. Specifically "1.13. Cloning virtual machines", "1.14. Importing and exporting virtual machines" and possibly "7.2. Teleporting" (although the latter is more oriented toward data centres where a live running virtual machine is duplicated over the network). You can also fluff around with adding (and on Linux subtacting) CPU's on the fly if you wish, although I expect this lies outside what you hope to achieve. The good news is you can always stick Virtualbox on your old machine and test the various duplication methods to ensure they work as you would expect.
Using Virtualbox, as long as the host you move the image to runs an Intel processor (i386/amd64 using Linux architecture nomenclature) you should be good to go.
Personally I'd want to be certain I didn't have a dud MoBo or power supply. If you're absolutely certain there is no chance of any MoBo shortage as you have it mounted currently, can't you rig up something a little less Heath Robinson than shorting the pins with a screwdriver? Also have you tried experimenting with "cold starting" using the master on/off switch on the PSU itself on your issues? Obviously there is a residual power supply to the board all the time when the PSU is on even if the machine itself isn't running.
Answering myself, I've just checked the photo you posted. Whilst I can see it's sitting on an anti-static bag, it's still on a non-conductive surface (cardboard box). That's fine for build/testing of course but I'm wondering if running it for extended periods is building a static charge especially with the CPU fan whizzing around. The Motherboard itself would usually be grounded in several places when mounted in a chassis as well as through it's power connector. Maybe you could try earthing the metal cowl around the Ethernet slot?
I have a cast-off (but decent) monitor to use which is only VGA. I don't expect to have ZEN connected to my main sitting room TV forever! Cable should arrive tomorrow (the PS/2 keyboard + mouse to USB adapter arrived today, so I can plug in my wireless desktop and play from the sofa!).
I'll keep an eye on it, but I need to ration my play time because of "stuff". The anti-stating bag should be static dissipative rather than conductive, so it should be OK (but a few stand-offs would be a good idea, and what I intended in the first place).
RF - yes, I was just commenting. I don't understand the fashion for replacing nice screening metal cases (against interference in both directions) with glass panels.