CHAPTER THREE
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox
Want to try Ubuntu without affecting your system? Learn how to install it on
VirtualBox! This step-by-step guide walks you through downloading Ubuntu,
setting up a virtual machine, and installing the OS. Perfect for beginners or
anyone exploring Linux in a secure and virtualized environment.
What is VirtualBox?
VirtualBox is a free, open-source virtualization tool developed by Oracle. It lets
you create virtual machines (VMs) to run multiple operating systems on your
computer simultaneously. Think of it as a computer within your computer.
I love VirtualBox for its simplicity and cross-platform availability. It runs on
Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile.
Why install Ubuntu on VirtualBox?
1. Safe environment for learning: Break things without consequences.
2. Experimentation: Test software, configurations, or server setups.
3. Portability: Carry your VM on a USB drive.
System requirements
Before you begin, make sure your host machine meets these requirements:
§ Processor: Modern dual-core or better. (I use an Intel i5, which works
great.)
§ RAM: At least 8 GB for a smooth experience. (Allocate 4 GB for the VM if
possible.)
§ Storage: At least 20 GB free space for the VM.
§ Operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux as the host OS.
Step 1: Download VirtualBox
1. Visit VirtualBox’s official website: VirtualBox Downloads
2. Select your platform: Choose the appropriate version for your OS
(Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. Install it: Follow the straightforward installation wizard
Step 2: Download the Ubuntu ISO
1. Head to the Ubuntu website: Ubuntu Downloads
2. Choose your flavor: For beginners, I recommend the latest LTS (Long
Term Support) version for stability.
3. Download the ISO file: It’s a disk image of the OS.
Step 3: Create a new virtual machine
1. Launch VirtualBox.
2. Click ‘New.’
3. Name your VM: Something like “Ubuntu VM.” VirtualBox usually detects the
OS type automatically. I recommend to turn on the option “Skip Unattended
Installation”. It feels more engaging and ensures everything is set up exactly the
way I want, which matters when I’m running tests or experimenting.
4. Allocate memory (RAM): I suggest at least 2 GB (2048 MB), though 4
GB is better if you can spare it.
5. Create a virtual hard disk:
o Type: VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
o Size: 25 GB minimum.
Step 4: Configure your VM
Before starting the VM, tweak a few settings:
1. Select your VM and click ‘Settings.’
2. System tab:
o Uncheck Floppy in the boot order (who uses floppy drives
anymore?).
o Allocate 2 CPUs for better performance.
3. Display tab:
o Increase Video Memory to 128 MB.
4. Storage tab:
1. Click the empty optical drive, then choose your Ubuntu ISO
Step 5: Boot your VM and install Ubuntu
1. Start the VM: VirtualBox will boot from the Ubuntu ISO.
2. Select ‘Try or Install Ubuntu.’
3. Follow the on-screen instructions:
o Choose your language.
o Keyboard layout: I stick with the default (English US).
o Updates: Select “Normal installation” and “Install updates” if you
have a good internet connection.
4. Partitioning: Go with the default option: Erase disk and install
Ubuntu (it’s a VM, so no real disks are harmed).
5. Create a user:
1. Username: Pick something short (e.g., fosslinux).
2. Password: Make it memorable but secure.
Step 6: Post-installation tweaks
Once Ubuntu boots up, there are a few things to fine-tune:
1. Install Guest Additions:
o Insert the Guest Additions CD (Devices > Insert Guest Additions
CD Image).
o Follow prompts to install drivers for better resolution and shared
clipboard support. If the automatic installation of Guest Additions
doesn’t pop up in Ubuntu, you can install it manually with a few
quick commands. I will explain it in next section.
2. Update your system:
2. sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
3. Enable shared folders: Share files between host and VM.
Steps to manually install Guest Additions
1. Update the package manager:
2. sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
3. Install required dependencies:
VirtualBox Guest Additions requires certain packages for compilation.
Install them with:
4. sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)
5. Mount the Guest Additions ISO:
o In VirtualBox, go to Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
o This mounts the ISO as a virtual CD in your VM.
6. Navigate to the mounted CD:
7. cd /media/$USER/VBox_GAs_<version>
Replace <version> with the version number shown in the directory name.
8. Run the installation script:
9. sudo ./[Link]
10. Reboot your VM:
After installation completes, reboot the VM to apply changes:
11. sudo reboot
Verifying the installation
Once rebooted, check if Guest Additions features (e.g., dynamic screen
resizing, shared clipboard) are working.
Step 7: Start exploring Ubuntu
Congratulations! You now have a fully functional Ubuntu system running
on VirtualBox.
Explore the appearance settings, install apps, or even break things
(intentionally). Virtual environments are forgiving, and you can always start
fresh.
Final thoughts
Setting up Ubuntu on VirtualBox is an incredibly rewarding experience,
especially for beginners. You learn a lot without compromising your primary OS.
I personally enjoy using VMs to test software or learn commands. The beauty of
Linux lies in its versatility, and VirtualBox amplifies that.