Originally Posted By: jcm
I'm using a temporary Windows VM for testing upgrade image files, since I'm not aware of a Linux tool for e.g. applying builder images. I know how to simply reflash the kernel, but AFAIK builder images require the Windows tools - I'd love to hear otherwise!

Mark already made one that works over ethernet.

Originally Posted By: jcm
VMWare isn't free either. The Player is free, but not the tools needed to make an image.

VMware Server and ESXi are both free. VMware Server has been free for a very long time.