Hi, this post is about installing and configuring virtual box. Here I use windows 8 as host (in which VirtualBox should install) and Ubuntu 13.04 as Guest (the OS should install on virtualbox). Same procedures should follow to install other guest OS’s. I think the procedures will be same in other host OS’s too.
Installing on Windows hosts
First we have to install latest version of VirtualBox. For this download latest release from Oracle VM VirtualBox Official Site. Then install it. Following are screen shots of VirtualBox Installation. Latest versions of virtualBox supports dran and drop file sharing. If you using older version of VirtualBox (4.1.x or Older), then you have to setup sharing of folders, which is described in my previous post. (please refer that post).
In windows, double click on windows installer and follow the instructions.
In either case, this will display the installation welcome dialog and allow you to choose where to install VirtualBox to and which components to install. In addition to the VirtualBox application, the following components are available:
USB support : This package contains special drivers for your Windows host that VirtualBox requires to fully support USB devices inside your virtual machines.
Networking : This package contains extra networking drivers for your Windows host that VirtualBox needs to support Bridged Networking (to make your VM’s virtual network cards accessible from other machines on your physical network).
Python Support : This package contains Python scripting support for the VirtualBox API . For this to work, an already working Windows Python installation on the system is required.
Depending on your Windows configuration, you may see warnings about “unsigned drivers” or similar. Please select “Continue” on these warnings as otherwise VirtualBox might not function correctly after installation.
Avoid these warnings and continue to install.
Finish Installation and Launch VirtualBox
By this, window VirtualBox installation is finished. See Configuration of Guest OS below Mac OS VirtualBox Installation.
Installing on Mac OS X hosts
Performing the installation
For Mac OS X hosts, VirtualBox ships in a disk image (dmg) file. Perform the following steps:
Double-click on that file to have its contents mounted.
A window will open telling you to double click on the VirtualBox.mpkg installer file displayed in that window.
This will start the installer, which will allow you to select where to install VirtualBox to.
After installation, you can find a VirtualBox icon in the “Applications” folder in the Finder.
To perform a non-interactive installation of VirtualBox you can use the command line version of the installer application.
Mount the disk image (dmg) file as described in the normal installation. Then open a terminal session and execute:
sudo installer -pkg /Volumes/VirtualBox/VirtualBox.mpkg \
-target /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD
Configuring Windows XP as Guest OS
Follow the Screen shots Below to install Windows XP on Your VirtualBox. Any Other Windows Version can Be installed like this.
1. Select New From VirtualBox Startup Window.
2. Name and Select The OS.
3. Allocate Ram for virtual Machine as Available on your Machine. Use recommeded memory size or above.
4. Create Virtual Hard Drive For Your Virtual Machine.
5. Choose the virtual Hard drive File type. If you do not need to use it with other virtualization software you can leave this setting unchanged.
6. Select one according to screen instruction and your system configuration.
7. Follow the screen instruction.
8. Create Virtual hard drive. Then you reach the home screen of VirtualBox UI. Then insert CD/DVD to your CD/DVD rive. Or You Can mount .iso image file.
9. Mounting image file of OS . If you insert CD/DVD Skip this Step.
- Click the icon of CD/DVD with plus (Add CD/DVD Device) and follow screen instruction.
Then select image File
10. Start Windows XP(Guest OS) from VirtualBox Startup UI. And Install the OS.
11. After Installation Remove The media.
12. Install Guest Additions with the VirtualBox. Devices >> Install Guest Additions .
13. Enable Drag and Drop File Sharing. (See the image)
14.Your OS will be ready to use.
Configure Ubuntu 13.04 as Guest OS
Follow the same for all Linux Versions. Settings are same as above windows XP installations. Follow the Screen instructions.
- Install Guest Addition From Devices tab or Right Ctrl + D (Devices >> Install Guest Additions)
- Enable Bidirectional Drag and Drop File Sharing
Configure Other Guest OS
Follow the same method.
Hope you get it.
I think you will recognize my effort. If you have any doubt, feel Free to ask.