Trying New Operating Systems with VM Software

Jul 7, 2024

Lecture: Trying New Operating Systems with VM Software

Introduction

  • Addressing common comments about OS preferences.
  • Demonstrating how to try new operating systems without losing data on Windows.

Two-Stage Process

Stage 1: Creating a Virtual Machine (VM)

  • Definition: VM is software that acts like a separate computer within your main computer.
  • Popular VM Software:
    • Oracle VM VirtualBox: Free for non-commercial usage.
    • VM Workstation Player: Free for non-commercial usage.
  • Installation:
    • Follow standard download and installation procedures.

Stage 2: Getting Installation File for New OS

  • Obtain the installation file for the desired OS.
  • Examples used: Windows 11 and Linux (Ubuntu).

Trying Windows 11

Downloading Windows 11 ISO

  • Steps:
    • Search "Windows 11 download" on Google and visit Microsoft's official site.
    • Run PC Health Check to ensure minimum requirements are met.
    • Download Windows 11 ISO file.

Configuring VM Software

  • VM Workstation 17 Player Configuration:
    • Create a new virtual machine and select Windows 11 ISO file.
    • Set VM name for reference.
    • Configure TPM and allocate space (~20 GB for demo).
    • Store in a single file for simplicity.
    • Customize hardware (e.g., allocate 16 GB RAM).
    • Finish setup and start installation.

Installation Process

  • Virtual machine boots from the ISO file.
  • Conduct a custom installation with specified space (20 GB in demo).
  • Verify that the new OS is separate from the main system data.

Trying Linux (Ubuntu)

Downloading Ubuntu ISO

  • Google “Ubuntu download” and download the ISO file from the official website.

Configuring VM Software

  • Using VirtualBox by Oracle:
    • Create a new virtual machine and select Ubuntu ISO file.
    • Set VM name and select appropriate OS type (Linux, Ubuntu).
    • Customize hardware (e.g., allocate 16 GB RAM).
    • Allocate required hard drive space.

Installation Process

  • Similar steps as for Windows 11 installation.
  • Choose default or minimal apps to start with.
  • Install necessary drivers and media support.
  • Complete installation and verify separation from main system data.

Removing Virtual Machines

  • Right-click on the VM and select remove to reclaim hard drive space.
  • Ensure to delete all files associated with the VM.

Conclusion

  • Benefits of using VMs: Experiment without risk, no need for dual boot, and easy OS exploration.
  • Importance of trying other operating systems as Windows 10 support ends in 2025.
  • Recommendation to experiment with VMs to make informed decisions about OS.

Closing Remarks

  • Encouragement to give a thumbs up and watch related videos for more information.