Setting up a Virtual Machine
How to set up a virtual machine
Ever wanted to try Linux but your PC is running Windows? Wanted to install some new software but didn't want to deal with uninstalling it later? That's where a virtual machine can come in. It still uses up space from your computer (the 'host' computer) but it can run a different OS like Linux without any changes needed for your computer. It's safe and easy.
The following steps are for using Oracle's VirtualBox with Ubuntu.
- Download Ubuntu LTS
- LTS stands for long-term support. Always get LTS when you can.
- Ubuntu Desktop
- Download VirtualBox
- Open VirtualBox
- Click New
- Name: Ubuntu 18.04 (version of Ubuntu being installed)
- Machine Folder: wherever you want to save, e.g. C:\Users\jamie\VirtualBox VMs
- Type: Linux
- Version: Ubuntu 64-bit
- Memory Size: 8192mb
- this will likely vary depending on the PC
- Create Virtual Hard Disk Now
- Hard disk file type: VDI (Virtual Box Disk Image)
- Storage on physical hard disk: Dynamically allocated
- File size: 20.00GB
- Settings / Storage
- Controller: IDE
- Create optical drive: Disk - Ubuntu ... iso
- ok
- Start
- Install Ubuntu
- Normal installation, Download updates while installing Ubuntu
- Erase disk & install Ubuntu
- Continue
- Where are you? New York
- Who are you?
- Name: Jamie
- Comp name: jamie-ubuntu
- username: jamie
- password
- require password to log in
- Restart now (after install)
- Devices - Insert Guest Additions CD Image
- This allows for larger screensize, sharing clipboard, etc.
- this should already be included in the virtualbox, which you can view int he installation directory of VirtualBox VBoxGuestAdditions.iso
Troubleshooting / Common Issues
General Rule: Google it!
- You may need to enable virtualization in BIOS.
- Check Windows Features on your host machine to enable and disable appropriate options.
- You could have a compatibility issue if you have a newer version of Ubuntu and an older VM, so updates may be needed.
Have you tried turning it off and on again?