Installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox

A virtual machine is a real rescue when time and resources are expensive. Its installation allows you to use a third-party OS more convenient and easier than with the full installation of the new system on the hard disk. The virtual machine will protect you from unnecessary compatibility problems, and also allows you to quickly "roll" all unnecessary data, if it is no longer necessary. In addition, the "virtualka" allows you to quickly roll back. Since installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox is a very effective option, we’ll look at it. As well as tools that you may need in the new environment.

Installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox is one of the options for installing Windous and Linux on one PC.

What is Virtual Boxing?

VirtualBox is a virtualization software created by Oracle. It is distributed on the basis of a free license. The program is cross-platform (can be used with different operating systems), modular, supports the entire package of modern technologies for its direction. This is one of the most popular similar programs for the Windows OS family. But using it with earlier versions of Windows is not worth it - poor support will have an effect. When they say that they want to install something on a virtual machine, VirtualBox is often meant.

Getting Started

For simplicity, we will call the native system of your computer the host system, and the virtual one - the guest system. To install Ubuntu on a VirtualBox virtual machine, you need a basic software package. In our case, this is the VirtualBox program itself. Find the official website of the program is easy - virtualbox.org. From the “Downloads” section you need to download two files:

  • VirtualBox for Windows hosts (x86 / amd64);
  • VirtualBox Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack (All supported platforms).

On the official website of the program you will always find the most current version. You need to download it exactly.

Start the installation of the first file. Save all parameters by default. During installation, the network may not be available for some time. Therefore, do not download other files and programs in parallel. When the first file is unpacked on the computer, start installing the next one. Affirmatively answer all installer questions. After starting the program, VirtualBox setup will begin, we will install Ubuntu a bit over time.

Creating a virtual environment

  1. Open the program after installation.
  2. In the program menu, select “Machine” - “Create”.

  3. Set the installation parameters. They may be:
  • The name is Ubuntu-1.
  • Type of -
  • Version - depending on your distribution (attention to bit depth!).
  1. Click "Next".
  2. Select the amount of memory. It is recommended to set a minimum of 1 GB. Note that this RAM space will be fully utilized for the new system. It is advisable that you have at least 1 GB left on your computer for the host system. Installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox requires a clear definition of the memory that the new OS can have.
  3. Now create a new virtual media in the operating system environment. All files will be installed on it. In the "Specify Type" dialog, select "VDI".
  4. Select the “Dynamic Hard Disk” data storage format. This option means that the repository will automatically increase in size as information accumulates.

  5. Specify the disk name "Ubuntu-1" and the size of "12 GB." Storage size should be sufficient for the first time.
  6. Now, if you did everything correctly, the machine with your OS will appear in the list of the main program menu (in the Manager). But this is only the first step in the instructions on how to install Ubuntu on VirtualBox.
  7. Now set advanced disk options. To do this, call the context menu and select "Configure".
  8. Here we need the item "Display". On the "Video" tab, enable 3D acceleration. If you see fit, you can also increase the amount of video memory.

In the same window, go to the "Public Folders" tab and add a new folder. Find the “+” sign in the section and do it with it.

This operation allows you to conveniently copy files from the main system to the virtual one. Also check the box next to “Auto-connect”.

How to upload an image?

This needs to be done if you do not yet have an image of the Ubuntu system, and you do not know where to get it. In the list of required operations on how to install Ubuntu on a virtual machine, this is one of the most important points.

Open the ubuntu.com page in your browser. On it, you can easily find a link to download the distribution. Keep the current version of the system (today it is 10/16). It is advisable to install the distribution kit corresponding to the amount of the PC's RAM:

  • If you have less than 4 GB of RAM, download the system image x
  • If you have 4 GB of RAM and more, download image x

You can save the image anywhere, but better - on the internal disk of the computer.

Installing a virtual OS

Once logged in to the VirtualBox virtual machine, open the start window (Manager). Select the created "car". Run it through the main menu of the program.

VirtualBox prompts you to choose the image with which it will work. Locate and select the “iso” file that you downloaded, and go to the next window. Here we come to how to quickly install Ubuntu on VirtualBox. Now it remains to configure the most virtual OS.

  1. In the initial installation screen, select the desired language, then click "Install Ubuntu".
  2. Next, select the items at your discretion.
  3. In the Installation Type window, select Erase Disk and Install Ubuntu. This is not dangerous for your data, since the storage for the system is virtually virtual. It is isolated from the rest of the hard disk. You remember that?

  4. Set the remaining parameters as you like. It is advisable to remember or write down what you entered in the "user name" and "password".
  5. This completes the installation setup. Very soon you will be able to use the system. After installation is complete, click "Restart".

Useful additions

We have not yet implemented all the features that will simplify your work with an additional OS. How to put Ubuntu on VirtualBox with add-ons?

  1. In the main VirtualBox window, click “Devices” - “Mount Disk Image ...”.

  2. Next, click on the "Run" button.
  3. Enter the password created during the installation and confirm the action.
  4. Now wait for the installation to complete and reboot.

Application update

We figured out how to install Ubuntu on a virtual machine. But for it to function, you need to enable system updates. To do this, go to the item “Application Update” at the address “System utilities” - “Administration” of the main menu of the Applications. After searching for available updates, click "Install Now" and confirm the action by entering a password. If you need a reboot, do it.

Conclusion

In this article, we told you how to install Ubuntu on a VirtualBox virtual machine. We hope you enjoy all the features of this great bundle of programs, and become a confident Linux user. And maybe go to her forever.

Look for even more useful in our other materials and share your discoveries and knowledge in the comments to this article!