Installing a virtual machine on a Microsoft® Windows® or Macintosh® computer enables you to run Linux® on that computer as a guest operating system. You have probably heard of the virtual machine named "Parallels" that enables users to run Windows on a Mac. Another virtual machine example is the VirtualBox. It enables Linux to run on a Windows or Mac host.
1 Download VirtualBox and Ubuntu Installer
Download VirtualBox and the Linux distribution of your choice. Some popular Linux distributions include Fedora and Debian. If you want to run Linux on an old computer, Puppy Linux or Lubuntu may be a better choice. We have chosen to use Ubuntu for this example.
VirtualBox download:
VirtualBox Home Page
Ubuntu download:
Ubuntu Download Page
We recommend you choose the most recent Long Term Support (LTS) version and 32-bit. The 32-bit version will probably run faster in a Virtual Machine (VM), even if you have a 64-bit computer.
2 Install and Open VirtualBox
Execute the VirtualBox install program then start VirtualBox.
Click Next to use all default settings.
3 Create a New VM
1
Click the New button.
2
Provide a descriptive name for the new VM.
3
Select the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) to be allocated to the VM.
4
Create a virtual hard disk.
5
Select the hard disk file type.
6
Choose to dynamically increase the physical hard disk space as the virtual hard disc needs it.
7
Select a file name and maximum size of the virtual hard disk.
4 Provide Location of Ubuntu Install File (ISO)
1
Click the Settings button.
2
Click the Storage button, then Empty (under Controller: IDE), and check the box beside Live CD/DVD.
3
Browse to the Ubuntu install file.
Click the CD/DVD image button, click Choose Virtual Optical Disk File…, then browse to the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded in step 1 above. Click OK.
5 Start the Virtual Machine to Install Ubuntu
1
Click the Start button.
This starts your VM. Imagine starting a computer with the Ubuntu install disc in the CD/DVD drive. Please be patient as the virtual install DVD is read. You may see some error and other information messages. These can probably be disregarded.
2
Click Install Ubuntu.
This might scare you, but don't worry. You are installing a virutal operating system which will not affect your native operating system. This virtual operating system will be installed on the virtual hard disc you created in step 3.7 above.
3
Check the two boxes to download software and click Continue.
4
Select Erase disk and install Ubuntu then click Install Now.
I'm sure you are afraid to do this but have faith. It will be OK. This will only affect the virtual hard disc you created in step 3.4 through 3.7 above.
You will see a message about making changes to the disks. Click Continue.
5
Select your location and click Continue.
6
Select your keyboard layout and click Continue.
7
Enter the information requested and click Continue.
Please be patient as the operating system is installed.
8
Click Restart Now when the installation completes, then press Enter at the prompt.
You may see some warning messages as the virtual machine restarts. Disregard them. You will be asked to remove your virtual installation disc from the virtual CD/DVD drive. Pretend to do this, then press Enter (carriage return).
9
Ready to use!
Enter the password you created in step 4.7 above to log in. Ubuntu is now running in the VirtualBox virtual machine on your original operating system. You will need to wait a short time while the desktop loads.
6 Resize Ubuntu Window (Optional)
1
Look for a CD icon (left side) labeled "VBOXADDITIONS…"
If it is there, right click to eject it. You will see it disappear and a message will be displayed letting you know it is ejected.
2
Click the Devices menu (top of window) and select Insert Guest Additions CD image….
A message box will open asking if you want to automatically run the software on the virtual CD. Click Run. An Authenticate box will open. Enter your password and click the Authenticate button. This will start the VirtualBox Guest Additions software installation. Press Enter to close the window when complete.
3
Shut down the Ubuntu virtual machine then exit and restart VirtualBox.
Click the power icon (top right corner) to shut down Ubuntu.
4
Restart the Ubuntu VM and click the System Settings icon on the left, then Displays.
5
Change the resolution and click Apply.
Now the resolution can be changed using the drop down selections. Click the Apply button (lower right corner) after you've changed the resolution.
