VirtualBox is a powerful virtualization product for enterprise as well as home use. Not only is Virtual Box an extremely feature rich, high performance product for enterprise customers; It is also the only professional solution that is freely available as Open Source Software.
VirtualBox 3.0 is capable of creating and running multi-processor virtual machines that can handle heavyweight server-class workloads, and also delivers enhanced graphics support for desktop-class workloads, reinforcing VirtualBox’s position as one of the world’s most popular virtualization platforms. Many multi-threaded server-based workloads, such as database and Web applications, can benefit from Symmetric Multiple Processing (SMP) systems, which contain multiple CPUs. VirtualBox 3.0 can now support virtual SMP systems with up to 32 virtual CPUs (vCPUs) in a single virtual machine. With this major enhancement, VirtualBox software can be used to run not only desktop workloads on client or server systems, but also demanding server workloads.
New server features of VirtualBox 3.0 software include:
- Up to 32 vCPUs per guest to accommodate heavyweight data-processing workloads.
- Hypervisor enhancements for SMP to enable optimum performance.
- Updated API platform designed to be the basis of the community-driven VirtualBox Web Console project, which is coming soon to allow IT administrators to manage their datacenters from a Web console. This project is based on the popular Python language.
New desktop features of VirtualBox 3.0 software include:
- Microsoft Direct3D support for Windows guests, which enables graphically intensive Windows applications, like computer modeling, 3D design and games software, to run in a virtual environment.
- Support for version 2.0 of the Open Graphics Library (OpenGL) standard. As a result, high-performance Windows, Linux, Solaris(TM), and OpenSolaris(TM) graphical applications, which typically use graphical hardware acceleration, are able to run applications like Google Earth and CAM-based software on VirtualBox software.
- Support for a wider range of USB devices, including storage devices, iPods and phones.
Creating an Ubuntu Virtual Machine using VirtualBox 3.0
After Installing the VirtualBox software, Invoke the shortcut to launch the application. Click on New buttom which is present under the file menu. This will give you options to install various Operating Systems. (as shown below)
Step 1: In this example, we will choose Linux and Ubuntu, Click Next
Step 2: In this below dialog, we will select the amount of base memory to be allocated to the Ubuntu VM. You can use the slider or enter the number in the text box provided. I will choose 512 MB, Click Next
Step 3: IF you already have a disk image, you can load that. Else, you can create a new hard disk using the New Button. I will select the New button here,
Step 4: You now have an option to create a Virtual hardrive with Fixed size or dynamic size storage. Using a Dynamic Size storage is always a better practice.Click Next
Step 5: You can do the lower bound of the hard-drive space allocation here. (By default, the Virtual disk will be saved in C:\Users\Vj\.VirtualBox\HardDisks\Ubunto.vdi ) – Click Next
Step 6:That completes the Configuration settings for the newly built Virtual Machine. Click Finish.
Step 7: On completion, you will get this dialog. However, you will need an OS CD/DVD to boot the installation. Click on Settings button, which is present next to the New button. Select CD/DVD ROM, and you can choose the physical CD-ROM drive or an iso file.
Step 8: You can add an Iso image, using the add button in the Virtual Media Manager dialog
Step 9: Now you are all set to start the Virtual Machine, and install Ubuntu OS on it. Click the Start Button, which is present next to the Settings. (see below image)
Step 10: Follow the OS setup Instructions, and Booom, your Virtual Machine is ready to use.
Step 11: You can do all the addition configurations like sharing folders, create multiple snapshots, mounting drives etc using simple menu options. See below
Installing the Guest Additions is always a better practice. This will make the virtual machine, more responsive.
Call to Actions:
- VirtualBox downloads, features, FAQ and Community Resource
- VirtualBox open source online meeting place
- VirtualBox online forums
19 replies on “How to create a Virtual Machine using Sun VirtualBoX 3.0”
Hi Vijay,
Thanks for the latest tech. information with brief details. The screen shots for installation very useful. Keep update your's. Thank You.
i'm using virtualbox 3.0 on top of Ubuntu Jaunty. My guest OS is TinyXP rev09 so i can sync my iPhone 3G using iTunes
Oh yeah Jeff. VirtualBox is indeed very light and yet powerful. People say, “good things dont come free..!!”
I guess, they need to rephrase the sentence now 🙂
Yes this is indeed a very good information, and time to time updates are necessary to keep it working. Its indeed a good job!!!. The new desktop features of VirtualboX3.0 are really the best.
HI Vijay,
Good technology update. that too very light and GPL very useful to testers and admins. I will try this product and update more interesting findings here.
Dude, can you tell me where can I get an OS .ISO file that I can use here? Its not taking my OS CD.
Hey buddy, Check the Step 7 and 8. It exactly mentions the same. If you already have an iso which is mounted, you will need to un-mount it first and then remount the new one.
Is there any place from where I can download the .ISO file of an OS say XP or Vista?
Yup., The best place for this is MSDN/Technet download.. but that does involve subscription.. If you have a dvd, you can make out the ISO from it 🙂
Thank you very match for your rich article and thank you for your visit to my poor blog (http://geomaniaa.blogspot.com/) before 🙂
Thanks for your comments buddy. Your blog is not poor as you say hee he..!! The technical content is making it really rich.
This is called PERFECT presentation. Thanks for it.
nice post. thanks.
I have interested on the steps how to use Visualization. I appreciate that Thanks a lot