Lecture on Installing Operating Systems in VirtualBox

Introduction

• Redoing a video on installing operating systems into VirtualBox.
• Casual attire due to recording near Christmas.
• Aim to make the class enjoyable and engaging.

VirtualBox Overview

• Oracle VM VirtualBox: A software to create a virtual environment to run guest operating systems on a host machine.
• Similar installation process to standard applications.
• Purpose is to set up a base layer for guest OS, hiding host OS specifics.
• Classified as a Type 2 hypervisor.

Creating a Virtual Machine

Selecting an Operating System

• VirtualBox tries to auto-configure settings based on the OS name entered.
• Flexibility in selecting OS; wrong selection rarely causes fatal issues.
• Example: Entering "Linux" vs. specific versions like "Fedora".

Storage Location

• Default storage in a user folder within a VirtualBox VMs folder.
• Option to change storage location if space is limited on the default drive.

Configuring Virtual Machine Resources

Memory Allocation

• VirtualBox suggests memory allocation (e.g., 1GB for Linux Mint). Adjust based on available RAM.
• Green and red indicators guide max RAM allocation without affecting host OS performance.
• Recommendations:
  • Minimum 4GB RAM for host OS.
  • Consider more if running multiple VMs or intensive applications.
  • Windows often runs on about 3.4 to 3.5GB RAM.

Disk Space

• Dynamic vs. Fixed disk allocation:
  • Dynamic: Allocates space as needed up to a specified limit.
  • Fixed: Allocates full space immediately, useful for monitoring available space.
• Suggestions for disk size based on installation needs.

Installing an Operating System

Using ISO Files

• ISO (International Standards Organization) files: Images of CDs/DVDs.
• Obtain ISO files for various operating systems (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora).

Boot and Installation Process

• Select ISO file as the boot source in VirtualBox.
• Follow installation prompts; installation process varies slightly by OS.
• Common steps include setting language, disk settings, and install type.

Snapshot and Cloning

• Snapshots: Capture a VM's state at a point in time for easy restoration.
• Cloning: Create a complete copy of a VM for backup or experimental use.

Managing Virtual Machines

Removing Virtual Machines

• Options to delete VM settings only or settings plus associated files.
• Ensure hard drive files are deleted if no longer needed.

Updating VirtualBox and Extensions

• Oracle provides updates for VirtualBox and its extensions.
• Not mandatory for class work, but beneficial for enhanced features.

Resource Management

• Monitor CPU and memory usage while running VMs to ensure optimal performance.
• Adjust settings for improved performance, such as increasing processor cores assigned to a VM.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to set up VirtualBox and install OS within the first weeks of class.
• Emphasis on learning and exploring different operating systems in a virtual environment.
• Open invitation for questions or further assistance with setups.