Oracle VirtualBox is cool! It’s a great virtualization software which allows anyone to run multiple operating systems (OS) on top of a single host computer. I’ve used it many times in many different situations. Unlike VMware Workstation, VirtualBox is free to use with free support upgrade and very light. It’s perfect!
I recently needed to install Ubuntu 15.04 server as a test machine. I write tutorial based on Ubuntu, CentOS and other operating systems, including Microsoft Windows. All these different operating systems are running off a single computer, my Windows 8 machine.
If it wasn’t VirtualBox or other virtualization software, it wouldn’t have been possible. Virtualization is cool, and if you’re not using it, you should.
This brief tutorial is going to show you how I got Ubuntu 15.04 server installed on top of VirtualBox software. It will also show you how Ubuntu and other operating systems get installed as guest machine within VirtualBox.
To get started, the first thing you’ll want to do is grab your Windows machine and download VirtualBox from the link below. VirtualBox works on other operating systems like Linux and Mac OSX, but this tutorial is only demonstrating how to install and use it in Windows.
VirtualBox download link can be found here : https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
On the download page, you’ll see links for Windows, Mac OSX, Linux and Solaris hosts. Select the link for Window (x86/amd64). Download and run the executable to install VirtualBox software. After installing, if not prompted to download VirtualBox extension pack, go and download it from the same link above for the correct version of VirtualBox installed.
The extension pack enables VirtualBox’s guest machines to function properly and seamlessly integrate with the host machine. So the first thing you do after installing VirtualBox should be installing its extension pack.
When you’re done installing the extension pack, go and download Ubuntu ISO from the web. It’s free. If you have a CD/DVD disc with Ubuntu on it, insert it into your computer drive. This will be the same process for installing other operating systems (Windows, Mac OSX or Linux).
Then open VirtualBox settings and go to Storage.. select Empty controller:IDE (CD/DVD drive) and click the browse button to the right of the screen. From there you can select the ISO image or CD/DVD disc in the drive of your computer.
When it’s selected and added, click OK to close the Windows. Then on the main page, click Start to start up the guest machine.
Doing that will bring up Ubuntu OS installation windows where you can follow the wizard until you’re finished installing. The default answers are mostly OK. If you don’t know, always select the default answer.
After installing the guest machine, restart and login.
That’s it! If you followed Ubuntu installation wizard and installed it correctly, it should boot up after restarting. When you log back in, run the commands below to update the guest machine.
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade && sudo apt-get autoremove
That’s it! Update the machine, shutdown down and take a snapshot to keep a pristine copy of the image so you can revert back if something bad happens.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install VirtualBox on Windows for creating Ubuntu guest machine?
To install VirtualBox on Windows, download the software from the official website, run the executable file, and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to also download and install the VirtualBox extension pack for seamless integration with guest machines.
Can I run multiple operating systems on a single host computer using VirtualBox?
Yes, VirtualBox allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single host computer. It is a powerful virtualization software that enables you to create and manage virtual machines effortlessly.
Is VirtualBox free to use for creating guest machines?
Yes, VirtualBox is free to use and comes with free support upgrades. It is a lightweight virtualization software that is perfect for creating guest machines on various host operating systems.
What is the purpose of the VirtualBox extension pack?
The VirtualBox extension pack enables guest machines to function properly and seamlessly integrate with the host machine. It is essential for enhancing the performance and compatibility of virtual machines.
Where can I find the download link for VirtualBox?
You can find the download link for VirtualBox on the official website at https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads. Choose the appropriate version for your Windows operating system (x86/amd64) and follow the installation instructions.
How do I install Ubuntu 15.04 server on VirtualBox?
To install Ubuntu 15.04 server on VirtualBox, create a new virtual machine, attach the Ubuntu ISO file, and follow the installation wizard. Make sure to configure the virtual machine settings according to your requirements.
Can VirtualBox be used on Linux and Mac OSX?
Yes, VirtualBox is compatible with Linux and Mac OSX in addition to Windows. You can install and use VirtualBox on different operating systems to create and manage virtual machines.
Why should I consider using virtualization software like VirtualBox?
Virtualization software like VirtualBox allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single computer, enabling you to test different environments and applications without affecting your main system. It is a convenient and efficient way to manage diverse computing needs.