To set up Ubuntu Linux in VirtualBox, you will need a reasonably recent computer capable of running a virtual machine, a copy of VirtualBox, and a copy of Ubuntu Linux. This guide will walk you through the process, offering a chance to try Linux before committing to a dedicated machine, especially as alternatives to Windows 10 become more sought after. Distributions like Ubuntu and Mint make Linux a viable option, and a VM helps navigate the learning curve.
To set up Ubuntu Linux in VirtualBox, you will need a reasonably recent computer capable of running a virtual machine, a copy of VirtualBox, and a copy of Ubuntu Linux. This guide will walk you through the process, offering a chance to try Linux before committing to a dedicated machine, especially as alternatives to Windows 10 become more sought after. Distributions like Ubuntu and Mint make Linux a viable option, and a VM helps navigate the learning curve.
To set up Ubuntu Linux in VirtualBox, you will need a reasonably recent computer capable of running a virtual machine, a copy of VirtualBox, and a copy of Ubuntu Linux. This guide will walk you through the process, offering a chance to try Linux before committing to a dedicated machine, especially as alternatives to Windows 10 become more sought after. Distributions like Ubuntu and Mint make Linux a viable option, and a VM helps navigate the learning curve.
Install Ubuntu Linux in VirtualBox
Just like in our MacOS tutorial, you will need a reasonably recent computer capable of running a virtual machine (VM). You will also need a copy of VirtualBox and a copy of Ubuntu Linux.
- Install VirtualBox onto your computer and start it up.
- Name it Ubuntu and set the Type as Linux and Version as Ubuntu 32 or 64 bit depending on your computer.
- Set memory to 4096MB and select Create.
- Select Create again.
- Select VDI VirtualBox Image and Dynamically Allocated disk space.
- Select Create.
- Select your new VM and select Settings.
- Select System from the left pane and set base memory to the maximum in the green.
- Uncheck Floppy in Boot Order.
- Select the Processor tab and select the maximum in the green.
- Select Display on the left and increase Video Memory to 128Mb.
- Select Storage and check the Ubuntu ISO Controller is set to SATA Port 0 on the right.
- Select OK to finish.
- Select your Ubuntu VM in the VirtualBox main screen and select Start.
- You should see an Ubuntu loader screen appear and then a Welcome screen.
- Select Install Ubuntu and then Erase Disk and install Ubuntu.
- Follow the installation wizard to set time zone, user account and driver installation and allow the process to complete.
- Shut down your Ubuntu machine once fully installed.
- Select Storage from the main VirtualBox window.
- Select the IDE controller and select the small disc with green plus icon beside it.
- Select Choose disk and select VBoxGuestAdditions. This is part of the main VirtualBox download and should be clearly visible from the window.
- Select Open and Ok.
- Boot your Ubuntu VM.
- Select the VirtualBox menu from within the window and select Device and Install Guest Additions.
- Follow the wizard and allow the process to complete.
- Reboot your VM when prompted.
That’s it! If you have trouble installing Guest Additions, open a Terminal and type ‘sudo sh ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run’ and hit Enter. That should do it.
Now you have a fully functioning Linux installation to play with as you see fit. It works exactly the same as a dedicated Linux machine does and can do all the things you would expect. Good luck with it!