You have three choices:
- Use the VxWorks Simulator (vxsim) - it's part of the Workbench and can be accessed like a real target
- Pros:
- Easy to to use
- Integrated into workbench
- Debug functionality and good control of the system
- Doesn't need any further hardware
- Documentation (check Wind River VxWorks Simulator User's Guide)
- Cons:
- Not the real target system (but this is a con for all points here)
- Pros:
- Use a x86 machine and boot eg. through ftp
- Pros:
- You can test booting via network and network
- Cons:
- The system may lack of drivers
- Possible you have to change kernel
- Debug is not as good as vxsim
- The difference to your target may be realy big
- Pros:
- Use a Virtual Maschine
- Pros:
- Runs on same pc - no further hardware required
- Possible to test several bootloaders
- Cons:
- Not possible to simulate the target cpu etc.
- A VM is not the best way for VxWorks testing
- Pros:
As Archie, I recommend you the VxWorks Simulator too.