Re: Maintaining alternative OS: emulator vs linux emulation layer

[Stephen Borrill <netbsd%precedence.co.uk@localhost>]

On Sat, 2 Jun 2012, Mayuresh wrote:
> I use NetBSD as a primary desktop OS. However there are a few areas where
> I am still required to use an alternative OS such as usb printer and
> scanner and few other applications not available on NetBSD.
>
> At present I maintain two separate installations, though it's very
> inconvenient to reboot to a different OS just for some small work.
>
> My alternative OS is Arch Linux (if it matters). Wondering, whether it can
> be run though qemu or any other emulator on NetBSD as a host. Point is,
> will it be able to solve USB scanner/printer problems through this
> arrangement.

I would love to see USB/IP ported to NetBSD:
http://usbip.sourceforge.net/

> Alternatively, is there a way to utilize Linux emulation layer that netBSD
> has to meet such requirements?

For general software, yes, it is very likely. Software expecting to speak 
to hardware will be more problematic.

--
Stephen