How to Create Virtual Machine in Linux Mint?

Linux Mint is a popular and user-friendly Linux distribution known for its simplicity and elegance. One of the powerful features it offers is the ability to create and run virtual machines, providing users with a flexible and efficient way to test different operating systems or run applications in isolated environments. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a virtual machine in Linux Mint.

1. Install VirtualBox:
   Before creating a virtual machine, you need to have a virtualization platform installed. In this guide, we'll use Oracle VM VirtualBox, a widely used and free virtualization software. Open a terminal and run the following commands:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install virtualbox
   

2. Download ISO Image:
   You'll need an ISO image of the operating system you want to install on the virtual machine. Download the ISO file from the official website of the respective operating system.

3. Open VirtualBox:
   Once VirtualBox is installed, open it from the Applications menu or run the following command:

   virtualbox
   

   The VirtualBox Manager window will appear.

4. Create a New Virtual Machine:

   • Click on the "New" button.
   • Enter a name for your virtual machine.
   • Choose the type of operating system (Linux) and version.
   • Click "Next."

5. Allocate Memory:

   • Choose the amount of RAM to allocate to the virtual machine.
   • Ensure it meets the recommended specifications for the operating system.
   • Click "Next."

6. Create a Virtual Hard Disk:

   • Choose the "Create a virtual hard disk now" option.
   • Select the hard disk file type and click "Next."
   • Choose the storage type (Dynamically allocated or Fixed size) and set the size of the virtual hard disk.
   • Click "Create."

7. Attach ISO File:

   • With the virtual machine selected, click on "Settings."
   • Go to the "Storage" tab.
   • Under "Controller: IDE," click on the empty disk icon.
   • Choose "Choose a disk file" and select the downloaded ISO file.
   • Click "OK."

8. Start the Virtual Machine:

   • Select your virtual machine from the VirtualBox Manager.
   • Click on the "Start" button.
   • The virtual machine will boot from the ISO file, initiating the installation process.

9. Install the Operating System:

   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system on the virtual machine.
   • Complete the installation process, including setting up user accounts and configuring system settings.

10. Post-Installation Setup:

    • Once the installation is complete, you can customize the virtual machine settings, install additional software, and configure network settings.

More Examples:

• Snapshot Feature:
  VirtualBox allows you to take snapshots of your virtual machine, enabling you to revert to a previous state if needed. Experiment with the snapshot feature to maintain a stable environment.

• Shared Folders:
  Explore VirtualBox's shared folder feature to easily transfer files between your host (Linux Mint) and the virtual machine.