Installing and setting up a virtual machine

All Posts, Operating Systems, Virtualization and Virtual Machines /

Table of Contents

  1. What is a Virtual Machine?
  2. Why Use a Virtual Machine?
  3. Choosing Your Virtualization Software
  4. Prerequisites for Installing and Setting Up a VM
  5. Step-by-Step Installation and Setup (Using VirtualBox)
  6. Configuring Your Virtual Machine
  7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
  8. Advanced VM Concepts
  9. Conclusion

What is a Virtual Machine?

At its core, a virtual machine is a software-based emulation of a physical computer. It allows you to run an operating system and applications within a sandboxed environment on top of your existing operating system (the “host” operating system). Think of it as a computer within a computer.

Key Concepts

  • Host Machine: This is your physical computer, the one you are currently using. It provides the underlying hardware resources.
  • Host Operating System: The operating system running on your physical machine (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
  • Guest Machine: The virtual machine you create. It ‘lives’ within the host machine.
  • Guest Operating System: The operating system you install and run inside the virtual machine (e.g., a different version of Windows, a different Linux distribution, or even an older operating system).
  • Hypervisor (Virtual Machine Monitor – VMM): This is the software that enables virtualization. It manages the creation and running of virtual machines, allocating resources (CPU, RAM, storage) and providing the necessary hardware emulation.

Types of Hypervisors

There are two main types of hypervisors:

  • Type 1 Hypervisors (Bare-Metal): These run directly on the host hardware, without a host operating system. They have direct access to hardware resources and provide high performance. Examples include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V Server, and KVM (often used with Linux). These are typically used in enterprise data centers.
  • Type 2 Hypervisors (Hosted): These run as an application on a host operating system. They rely on the host OS for hardware access. While they have a slight performance overhead compared to Type 1, they are much easier to set up and manage on a personal computer. Examples include Oracle VirtualBox, VMware Workstation/Fusion, and Parallels Desktop. This article will focus on Type 2 hypervisors, as they are most common for individual users.

Why Use a Virtual Machine?

There are numerous compelling reasons to use a virtual machine:

  • Run Different Operating Systems: Test software designed for a different operating system without needing a separate computer or dual-booting.
  • Software Testing: Create isolated environments for testing new software, updates, or potentially risky applications without affecting your host system.
  • Security Sandboxing: Run potentially untrusted applications or browse suspicious websites within a VM to prevent them from harming your host machine.
  • Development Environments: Set up specific development environments with precise configurations without interfering with your primary development setup.
  • Legacy Software Support: Run older applications or operating systems that are no longer compatible with modern hardware or operating systems.
  • System Snapshots and Rollbacks: Create snapshots of your VM’s state at specific points in time, allowing you to easily revert to a previous state if something goes wrong.
  • Experimentation and Learning: Safely experiment with different operating systems, configurations, and software without fear of breaking your host system.

Choosing Your Virtualization Software

As mentioned, we’ll focus on Type 2 hypervisors. Two of the most popular and accessible options are:

  • Oracle VirtualBox: Free and open-source, available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It’s a great starting point for beginners due to its ease of use and comprehensive features.
  • VMware Workstation Player (Windows/Linux) / Fusion (macOS): VMware offers both free (Player) and paid (Workstation Pro/Fusion Pro) versions. Player is free for personal use and provides a solid set of features. The paid versions offer more advanced capabilities. VMware is generally considered to have slightly better performance and hardware compatibility in some cases.

For this article, we will primarily use Oracle VirtualBox as our example due to its widespread availability and ease of use. The principles, however, are largely transferable to other Type 2 hypervisors.

Prerequisites for Installing and Setting Up a VM

Before you embark on your VM journey, ensure your host machine meets these requirements:

  • Sufficient Resources: VMs consume resources (CPU, RAM, storage) from your host machine. The more VMs you run and the more demanding the guest OS and applications are, the more resources you’ll need.
    • RAM: Allocate enough RAM to the VM for the guest OS and applications to run smoothly. A good starting point is at least 2GB for basic usage, but more is recommended for resource-intensive tasks. You’ll also need enough RAM for your host OS to function well simultaneously.
    • CPU Cores: VMs can be allocated one or more CPU cores. More cores generally improve performance.
    • Storage Space: The virtual hard disk for your VM will take up space on your host machine’s storage drive. The size depends on the guest OS and the amount of data you plan to store. Ensure you have ample free space.
  • Virtualization Support: Your CPU needs to support hardware virtualization. Most modern CPUs from Intel (VT-x) and AMD (AMD-V) do. You might need to enable this feature in your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings. Check your motherboard documentation for specific instructions.
  • Guest Operating System Installation Media: You’ll need an ISO image file or a physical installation disk for the guest operating system you want to install.

Step-by-Step Installation and Setup (Using VirtualBox)

Let’s get started with the practical steps of installing and setting up a virtual machine using Oracle VirtualBox.

1. Downloading and Installing VirtualBox

  1. Download VirtualBox: Go to the official Oracle VirtualBox website ( https://www.virtualbox.org/ ) and download the latest version for your host operating system.
  2. Run the Installer: Locate the downloaded installer file and run it.
  3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Accept the license agreement, choose an installation location (the default is usually fine), and select which components to install. You can generally accept the defaults.
  4. Network Interfaces: During installation, VirtualBox will install network adapter drivers. This is essential for the VM to have network connectivity. Accept the prompt to install these.
  5. Finish Installation: Once the installation is complete, you can launch VirtualBox.

2. Obtaining the Guest Operating System ISO

For this example, let’s assume you want to install a popular Linux distribution, like Ubuntu.

  1. Download Ubuntu ISO: Go to the official Ubuntu website ( https://ubuntu.com/download ) and download the desired version’s Desktop ISO image.

Note: If you’re installing Windows, you’ll need a Windows ISO image, which you can typically download from Microsoft’s website if you have a valid product key.

3. Creating a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

  1. Open VirtualBox: Launch the VirtualBox Manager application.
  2. Click “New”: In the toolbar, click the “New” button to start creating a new VM.
  3. Name and Operating System:
  4. Name: Give your VM a descriptive name (e.g., “Ubuntu 22.04 LTS”, “Windows 10 Development”).
  5. Machine Folder: Choose where the VM files will be stored on your host machine. The default location is usually fine, but ensure you have enough space in that location.
  6. Type: Select the operating system family (e.g., “Linux”, “Microsoft Windows”).
  7. Version: From the dropdown, select the specific version of the guest operating system you plan to install (e.g., “Ubuntu (64-bit)”, “Windows 10 (64-bit)”).
  8. ISO Image: Click the dropdown arrow and then “Other…” to browse and select the downloaded guest OS ISO file. VirtualBox might automatically detect the OS type and version based on the ISO.
  9. Skip Unattended Installation: For a manual, more detailed installation, tick the checkbox that says “Skip Unattended Installation”. This will allow you to go through the guest OS installer steps yourself.
  10. Hardware – Base Memory (RAM):
  11. Allocate the amount of RAM you want to give to your virtual machine. The recommended amount will be shown based on the selected OS, but you can adjust it. Remember the general guidelines mentioned earlier. Do not allocate more than half of your host’s RAM to a single VM, as your host OS also needs RAM to function.
  12. Hardware – Processors (CPU Cores):
  13. Choose the number of CPU cores you want to allocate to the VM. Again, the recommended amount is shown. For most basic tasks, 1 or 2 cores are sufficient. For more demanding workloads, increase this number, but don’t allocate all of your host’s cores.
  14. Hard Disk:
  15. Create a virtual hard disk now: This is the most common option. Select this to create a new virtual hard disk file.
  16. Do not add a virtual hard disk: Use this if you have an existing virtual hard disk file you want to attach.
  17. Use an existing virtual hard disk file: Choose an existing .vdi , .vmdk , or other virtual disk file.
  18. Hard Disk – Size and Type:
  19. Virtual Hard Disk File Name: A default name based on your VM name will be provided.
  20. Size: Specify the maximum size of the virtual hard disk. This allocated space will grow as you install software and add data to the guest OS (if you choose a dynamically allocated size).
  21. Hard Disk File Type:
    • VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image): VirtualBox’s native format.
    • VMDK (Virtual Machine Disk): VMware’s format, useful if you might use the VM with VMware products later.
    • VHD (Virtual Hard Disk): Microsoft’s format, potentially useful for Hyper-V compatibility.
    • HDD (Parallels Hard Disk): For Parallels Desktop compatibility.
  22. Storage on Physical Hard Disk:
    • Dynamically Allocated: The virtual disk file will start small and grow as needed, up to the maximum size you specified. This is generally the most flexible option and saves space on your host temporarily.
    • Fixed Size: The virtual disk file will be created at the maximum size you specified from the beginning. This can offer slightly better performance but requires more initial disk space.
  23. Summary: Review the settings you’ve configured and click “Finish”.

Your new virtual machine will appear in the left-hand pane of the VirtualBox Manager window.

4. Starting and Installing the Guest Operating System

  1. Select the VM: In the VirtualBox Manager, select the VM you just created.
  2. Click “Start”: Click the “Start” button in the toolbar.
  3. Guest OS Installer: The VM will boot from the selected ISO image, and the guest operating system’s installation process will begin.
  4. Follow Guest OS Installation Steps: This part is just like installing the operating system on a physical computer. Follow the on-screen prompts, which typically include:
  5. Language and Keyboard Layout: Select your preferences.
  6. Installation Type: Choose a full installation or custom options. For a fresh VM, a full installation is typical.
  7. Disk Partitioning: The guest OS installer will detect the virtual hard disk you created. Simply choose to install the OS on this disk (it will be treated as a new, empty drive). The installer will handle partitioning within the VM’s environment.
  8. User Creation and Password: Set up your user account and password for the guest OS.
  9. Time Zone: Select your time zone.
  10. Software Selection (for Linux): You might have options to install additional software during installation.
  11. Restart: Once the installation is complete, the guest OS will prompt you to restart. The VM will restart, and it should boot into the newly installed guest operating system.

5. Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions

This is a crucial step for better performance and integration between your host and guest machines. Guest Additions are a set of drivers and system applications installed inside the guest operating system. They provide features like:

  • Better Graphics Performance: Improved screen resolution and smoother graphics.
  • Seamless Mouse Integration: You can move your mouse freely between the host and guest screens without clicking.
  • Shared Clipboard: Copy and paste between the host and guest.
  • Drag and Drop File Transfer: Easily transfer files by dragging and dropping between the host and guest.
  • Time Synchronization: Synchronize the guest OS time with the host OS time.
  • Shared Folders: Easily access files and folders on your host machine from within the guest VM.

Installation Steps for Guest Additions:

  1. Start the VM: Make sure your guest OS is running inside VirtualBox.
  2. In the VirtualBox VM Window: Go to the menu bar at the top of the VM window.
  3. Devices -> Insert Guest Additions CD image…: This action mounts a virtual CD-ROM containing the Guest Additions installer into the guest VM.
  4. Inside the Guest OS:
  5. Linux: Open a terminal and navigate to the mounted CD-ROM drive (usually found in /media/username/VBox_Guest_Additions_* ). Run the installation script (often VBoxLinuxAdditions.run ) with root privileges: sudo sh ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run . Follow any on-screen prompts.
  6. Windows: Open File Explorer, navigate to the mounted CD-ROM drive, and run the appropriate executable (e.g., VBoxWindowsAdditions-amd64.exe for 64-bit Windows). Follow the wizard.
  7. macOS: Open the mounted CD-ROM and run the package installer.
  8. Restart the Guest OS: After installing the Guest Additions, you must restart the guest operating system for the changes to take effect.

You should now notice improved screen resolution, smoother performance, and the ability to use shared features like the mouse and clipboard.

Configuring Your Virtual Machine

Once the guest OS is installed and Guest Additions are in place, you can further configure your VM for optimal performance and functionality.

Modifying VM Settings (In VirtualBox Manager)

Before starting the VM, you can adjust its settings in the VirtualBox Manager:

  1. Base Memory: Increase or decrease the allocated RAM.
  2. Processors: Adjust the number of CPU cores allocated.
  3. Display:
  4. Video Memory: Increase the video memory for better graphics performance, especially if running applications with graphical demands.
  5. Monitor Count: Set the number of virtual monitors.
  6. Enable 3D Acceleration: Can improve graphics performance for some applications (may require Guest Additions).
  7. Storage:
  8. Add or remove virtual hard disks.
  9. Attach ISO images or virtual optical disks.
  10. Audio: Configure audio input and output for the VM.
  11. Network:
  12. Attached to: This determines how the VM connects to the network.
    • NAT (Network Address Translation): The most common and easiest. The VM shares the host’s IP address and accesses the internet through the host. Useful for general web browsing and software updates.
    • Bridged Adapter: The VM gets its own IP address on your local network, appearing as a separate device. Useful for accessing other devices on your network directly.
    • Internal Network: VMs on the same internal network can communicate with each other but not the host or external network.
    • Host-only Adapter: The VM can communicate with the host but not the external network.
    • NAT Network: A more advanced NAT setup allowing multiple VMs to share a NAT network.
  13. You can add multiple network adapters for different configurations.
  14. Serial Ports, USB, Shared Folders, User Interface: Explore these settings to configure serial ports, USB device passthrough, easily share folders between the host and guest, and customize the VM window’s user interface.

Setting Up Shared Folders

Shared Folders are incredibly useful for transferring files between your host and guest machines.

  1. In VirtualBox Manager: With the VM selected (but not running), go to Settings -> Shared Folders .
  2. Click the “+”: Click the plus icon to add a new shared folder.
  3. Folder Path: Browse to the folder on your host machine you want to share.
  4. Folder Name: Give the shared folder a name that will be used inside the guest OS.
  5. Auto-mount: Tick this to automatically mount the shared folder when the guest OS starts.
  6. Make Permanent: Tick this to make the shared folder persistent across VM sessions.
  7. Read-only: Check this if you only want the guest to read files from the shared folder, not write to it.
  8. Inside the Guest OS: After starting the VM, the shared folder should be accessible.
  9. Linux: Shared folders are typically mounted in /media/sf_[folder_name] . You might need to add your guest user to the vboxsf group: sudo usermod -aG vboxsf your_username . Log out and back in for the change to take effect.
  10. Windows: The shared folder will usually appear as a network drive under “This PC” or “Network Locations”.

Creating Snapshots

Snapshots are a powerful feature that allows you to save the current state of your VM. This is invaluable before performing risky operations, installing new software, or making significant configuration changes.

  1. In VirtualBox Manager: With the VM selected, go to Snapshots .
  2. Click “Take”: Click the “Take” button.
  3. Name and Description: Give the snapshot a descriptive name and add a brief description.
  4. Click “OK”: The snapshot will be created.

To revert to a snapshot, select the snapshot in the Snapshots pane and click “Restore”. You can choose to create a new snapshot of the current state before restoring.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful steps, you might encounter issues during VM setup. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

  • VM Fails to Start with VT-x/AMD-V Errors: This means hardware virtualization is not enabled in your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings. Reboot your computer, enter the BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, F12, or Del during boot), find the virtualization setting (often under CPU or System Configuration), enable it, save changes, and exit.
  • Slow VM Performance:
    • Allocate more RAM and CPU cores: Ensure you’ve allocated sufficient resources.
    • Install Guest Additions: This is crucial for performance optimization.
    • Check Host Machine Resources: Make sure your host machine isn’t struggling with resource usage from other applications.
    • Ensure Enough Free Disk Space: A full hard drive on your host can significantly slow down disk operations for the VM.
    • Consider a Fixed Size Virtual Disk: While it takes up more space initially, a fixed-size virtual disk can offer slightly better performance than a dynamically allocated one.
  • No Internet Connection in the VM:
    • Check VirtualBox Network Settings: Ensure the VM’s network adapter is configured correctly (NAT is usually the easiest for internet access).
    • Check Host Machine’s Internet Connection: If your host has no internet, neither will the VM (unless using a specific bridged adapter setup).
    • Check Guest OS Network Configuration: Once inside the guest OS, verify its network settings are configured to automatically obtain an IP address (DHCP).
    • Firewall Issues: Host or guest firewalls might be blocking network traffic.
  • Mouse Not Working Properly / No Seamless Mouse: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions.
  • Cannot Copy/Paste or Drag and Drop: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions and ensure the clipboard and drag-and-drop settings are enabled in the VM’s Settings -> General -> Advanced.
  • Low Screen Resolution: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions. You should then be able to adjust the display resolution within the guest OS settings.
  • Guest OS Installer Doesn’t Start: Double-check that you have correctly selected the ISO image as the virtual optical drive in the VM’s Storage settings.

Advanced VM Concepts

Beyond the basic setup, there are more advanced topics to explore:

  • Importing/Exporting VMs: You can export a VM in a portable format (OVA) and import it on another VirtualBox installation or even a different virtualization platform that supports the format.
  • Cloning VMs: Create an exact copy of an existing VM. This is useful for creating test environments with identical configurations.
  • Virtual Hard Disk Operations: Learn about resizing virtual disks, converting between different disk formats, and attaching existing virtual disks.
  • Command-Line Interface (VBoxManage): VirtualBox has a powerful command-line interface for scripting and automating VM management tasks.
  • Networking Configurations: Dive deeper into different network adapter configurations for more complex scenarios.
  • Headless Operation: Run a VM without a graphical user interface, useful for server workloads or scripting.

Conclusion

Installing and setting up a virtual machine might seem daunting at first, but by following these detailed steps, you can successfully create a sandboxed environment to explore different operating systems, test software, and enhance your computing experience. Virtual machines are an invaluable tool for developers, IT professionals, and anyone looking to expand their technical horizons. Start with a simple setup using VirtualBox and a familiar guest OS, and gradually explore the more advanced features as you become more comfortable. Happy virtualizing!

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  2. How to Install New Software on Your Computer: A Simple Guide
  3. Guide to Setting Up a Home Network
  4. A Complete Guide to Building a Gaming Computer

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