How to Install Linux on a Virtual Machine using VirtualBox

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to install Ubuntu 22.04 LTS on Oracle VirtualBox running on a Windows 11 system. It covers downloading and installing VirtualBox, obtaining the Ubuntu ISO, and setting up a new virtual machine. The tutorial also walks through the Ubuntu installation process and configuring VirtualBox Guest Additions for a seamless user experience. By the end, users will be able to run Ubuntu virtually on Windows 11 with full functionality, including proper screen resizing and hardware integration.

Takeaways

• 😀 VirtualBox is a tool that allows you to run an operating system on your current OS, enabling virtual installations.
• 😀 To install Ubuntu 22.04 LTS on VirtualBox, you need to first download VirtualBox from virtualbox.org and install it on your Windows 11 machine.
• 😀 You can download Ubuntu 22.04 LTS from ubuntu.com by selecting the LTS version for long-term support.
• 😀 After downloading the Ubuntu ISO file, you need to create a new virtual machine in VirtualBox, assigning a name and selecting Ubuntu as the OS type.
• 😀 Allocate appropriate memory to your virtual machine based on your computer's specs, with a general suggestion to place it in the green zone.
• 😀 When creating a virtual hard disk, choose the 'dynamically allocated' option to save space on your physical hard disk as the virtual machine fills up.
• 😀 Select the location for your virtual machine and adjust the virtual hard disk size, typically 100GB for Ubuntu installations.
• 😀 Before starting the virtual machine, configure its settings such as enabling shared clipboard and drag-and-drop features for easy interaction between the host and the guest OS.
• 😀 Once the virtual machine starts, the Ubuntu installation process begins, including language selection, keyboard layout, and software installation choices.
• 😀 After the installation completes, reboot the system, remove the installation medium, and you'll be prompted to log into your newly installed Ubuntu OS.
• 😀 To adjust the display and resolution of Ubuntu, install VirtualBox Guest Additions by running terminal commands and inserting the Guest Additions CD image in the VirtualBox settings.

Q & A

What is VirtualBox and why is it useful?

VirtualBox is a tool that allows you to run other operating systems virtually on your host OS. For example, you can run Ubuntu on a Windows system without affecting your main operating system.

How do you download and install VirtualBox?

To download VirtualBox, simply search for 'VirtualBox' in your browser, go to the official site, and download the Windows version. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your system.

What is the importance of downloading the LTS version of Ubuntu?

The LTS (Long-Term Support) version of Ubuntu is recommended because it receives updates and security patches for a longer period, making it more stable for long-term use.

How do you create a new virtual machine in VirtualBox?

To create a new virtual machine, click on the 'New' button in VirtualBox, name your machine, select the type and version of the OS (e.g., Ubuntu 64-bit), and then configure the memory and storage settings.

What are the differences between dynamically allocated and fixed size hard disks in VirtualBox?

A dynamically allocated disk grows in size as needed, while a fixed size disk uses the set space regardless of how much is used. The dynamically allocated disk is more flexible and saves physical disk space.

What is the significance of VirtualBox guest additions?

VirtualBox guest additions improve the performance and usability of the virtual machine, allowing features such as seamless mouse integration, improved graphics, and the ability to resize the guest OS screen automatically.

How do you install Ubuntu on VirtualBox after creating the virtual machine?

After creating the virtual machine and configuring its settings, you need to attach the Ubuntu ISO file to the VM's storage. Then, start the VM and follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu.

What should you do if the Ubuntu installation asks to 'erase disk'?

Don't worry! The 'erase disk' option only refers to the virtual machine's disk, not your host machine. It’s part of the installation process to prepare the virtual disk for Ubuntu.

How do you handle the issue of resizing the Ubuntu window in VirtualBox?

After installation, if the Ubuntu window doesn't resize to match the host OS size, you need to install VirtualBox guest additions. This will enable auto-resizing and improve the overall integration with the host system.

What are the key steps to install VirtualBox guest additions on Ubuntu?

First, run the necessary update and install essential packages. Then, from VirtualBox, select 'Insert guest additions CD image.' Once the CD is mounted, run the 'autorun.sh' script to complete the installation.