VirtualBox software allows various guest operating systems to run ontop of a host operating system. It provides a software emulation of a basic PC that satisfies the guest OS.
VirtualBox runs on Windows, Linux, Macintosh and OpenSolaris hosts and supports a large number of guest operating systems including Windows versions, Linux versions, Solaris, BSD, and OpenBSD.
Windows XP and 7 running as guests on my Ubuntu Linux system.
WHY RUN OTHER OSs?
1. Need an application that only runs on a certain OS.2. To check cross-platform software.3. Check browser/OS combinations in web development.4. Curiosity!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The virtualization software is providing standardized fake drives, fakedisplays, fake sound cards and fake network cards within the environment of the host OS. Since the fake hardware emulation is "plain vanilla" most guests work fine with the built-in drivers.
Other virtualization software: VmWare, qemu.
HOSTING SYSTEMS:
Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10Mac OSX 10.5+(intel)All Linux SystemsOpenSolarisBSD
GUEST SYSTEMS:
Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10All Linux SystemsSolaris, OpenSolarisMac OSX (not legal, and requires some hacking).
VirtualBox DOWNLOAD:
http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
You can download VirtualBox from the Ubuntu repository or use the above link. There are binaries for common distributions.
Also download the "extension pack" that corresponds to your VirtualBox revision number for extended facilities such as USB and shared folder functionality for the guests.
HOST REQUIREMENTS:
Each guest system needs RAM memory and Disk storage space. Most guest systems will need a minimum of 512MB of RAM and 5GBto 20GB of storage. If you run several virtual systems simultaneously you will need plenty of RAM in your host system.
GUEST CAPABILITIES:
Guest operating systems are running from a file on your hard drive.
The guest OS can:
* Access your local network
* Access the internet
* Read attached CD/DVD drives, USB devices
* Access shared folders on the host
* Use attached printers
* Produce sounds
* Display to the monitor.
Running two or more operating systems increases resource usage so there will be a slight speed penalty.
GUEST SYSTEMS INSTALLATION:
You need a copy of the guest operating system!
Microsoft lets you download (for free!!) .vhd disk images containing the entire Windows 7 or Windows 10 operating systems plus IE8, 9, 10, 11, Edge for developer evaluation purposes
Some Microsoft downloads are configured as .ova files. These can be imported into Virtualbox as "appliances". The images are viable for 2 to 3 months and then expire on you.
Microsoft downloads: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=11575
OTHER DOWNLOADS:
There are dozens of prebuilt .vdi files available at 1. https://virtualboximages.com/vdi/index 2. http://www.osboxes.org
SYSTEM IMAGES
You can load a disk image, ("iso"), from your Linux system or from an internal DVD player.
If you have system installation disks you can use those. Once created you can "clone" machines to configure multiple guest systems.
CREATING GUEST MACHINES
Run VirtualBox, select "new" – follow prompts to create machine.
Add the operating system here – iso or disks.
Display guest system as a small window, full frame, or "seamless”.
Seamless mode - Internet Explorer running inside Ubuntu!
SAVING VIRTUAL MACHINE
You can "save" the operating state of the virtual system.
You can then load that saved state and avoid the boot up and file loading time.
If your were using a Windows image because you had to run your windows-only Tax Prep program you can restart in seconds with your program already running.
In fact you can make a “shortcut” on your desktop and boot the system/program without opening the VirtualBox program.
Here is how it works on my laptop:
Host system: Mint 17.3
Guest systems: Windows XP, 7, 10 etc.
VIRTUAL or DUAL BOOT?
If the Windows system is used infrequently:
* Dual boot is a storage hog.
* Requires a reboot each time for use.
* Dual boot is becoming tricky with “safeboot” and EFI complications.
Virtual Windows system:
* Always a few seconds away without reboot.
* Virtual system is saved as a single “.vdi” image file - easily copied for backup.
* Easily transfer data between guest and host.
* If the virtual system goes bad – delete it and load backup image.
LOCALHOST:
If you run an internal server system, for development purposes, usingthe Apache/XAMPP setup, Localhost root will be the htdocs folder.
Linux and Mac guest systems use the same address: http://localhost/myprogram.php as the address.
Windows guests use:
http://10.0.2.2/myprogram.php as the local address, assuming your "myprogram.php" file is in the htdocs folder.
APPLICATIONS:
You can add applications like Office programs to your virtual machinein the normal fashion by download or from DVDs.
SECURITY:
Linux users may wonder about the security aspects of running Windows or other vulnerable applications. The only potential point of access to your real computer system from the virtual one is that shared folder.
So turn it off before you visit any pirate or porno sites with the virtual system! And, if you really get compromised - just delete the virtual machine - poof its gone!
