How to Use VirtualBox in Linux Mint?

VirtualBox is a powerful and versatile virtualization software that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. If you're using Linux Mint and want to explore different operating systems without the need for separate hardware, VirtualBox is the perfect solution. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing VirtualBox on Linux Mint and demonstrate how to use it effectively.

Installing VirtualBox on Linux Mint:

To begin your virtualization journey, you first need to install VirtualBox on your Linux Mint system. Open a terminal and enter the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install virtualbox

This will update your package list and install VirtualBox on your machine. Once the installation is complete, you can launch VirtualBox from the applications menu.

Creating a Virtual Machine:

1. Launch VirtualBox and click on the "New" button.
2. Enter a name for your virtual machine and select the type and version of the operating system you want to install.
3. Click "Next" and allocate the amount of RAM you want to assign to your virtual machine.
4. Choose to create a virtual hard disk now and select the hard disk file type.
5. Decide whether you want a dynamically allocated or fixed-size hard disk.
6. Allocate the size of your virtual hard disk and click "Create."

Installing an Operating System:

1. With your virtual machine selected, click "Settings" and go to the "System" tab.
2. In the "Boot Order" section, move "Hard Disk" to the top.
3. Insert the installation media for your chosen operating system (e.g., ISO file).
4. Start your virtual machine, and it will boot from the installation media.

Navigating VirtualBox Interface:

1. Use the Machine menu for actions like starting, pausing, and resetting your virtual machine.
2. The View menu allows you to adjust the display settings of your virtual machine.
3. The Devices menu is used for managing peripherals and attaching/detaching them from the virtual machine.

Command-Line Operations:

VirtualBox also provides a command-line interface (VBoxManage) for managing virtual machines. Here are a few useful commands:

• To start a virtual machine: VBoxManage startvm <VM_name>
• To stop a virtual machine: VBoxManage controlvm <VM_name> poweroff

Advanced Features:

Explore VirtualBox's advanced features such as snapshots, shared folders, and guest additions for seamless integration between your host and virtual machines.

Congratulations! You've successfully set up VirtualBox on your Linux Mint system and created a virtual machine. Now you can explore various operating systems and test software without impacting your main system. Feel free to experiment with the advanced features VirtualBox offers for a more customized virtualization experience.