How to install Ubuntu using VirtualBox
Today, we are going to teach you how to use VirtualBox to install Ubuntu using Windows. (This could easily be done on Linux, or a Mac too.) This is a great option for those of you who want to get a programming environment and those who want to avoid dual-booting your computer since it involves a great risk if done wrong. Virtualizing an OS is an easy task and it only takes a few steps. It should take a new user about five minutes to get going. So let’s get started.
What you need to virtualize Ubuntu on VirtualBox
First of all you will need VirtualBox and an OS, for our tutorial we will be going with Ubuntu. For Ubuntu, you can simply download the Ubuntu CD image on their download page. They are both free of course. You can choose any other top linux distribution if you want, only one step would change in this process. Most of the instructions are relatively straight forward, so I’ll guide you through them so you don’t get lost.
By the time you finish this quick and easy process, you should be getting this type of environment (version may be different of course).
Step 1: Create a new Virtual Machine
Open up VirtualBox and click on the blue button that says new so you can be greeted with the following.
Step 2: Choose a name for your installation
If you are installing Ubuntu, you can simply name it “Ubuntu”. Under OS type, chose Linux for the Operating System, and Ubuntu for the version.
Step 3: Allocate memory for your OS
Select the amount of memory (RAM) you want to allocate to your machine. Don’t worry if you think it’s too little or too much. You can always change this later. If you would use Ubuntu to learn how to program, you wouldn’t need to much anyways. Depending on how much RAM you have, you’d be fine with the default, 512MB, and 1024MB would be more than enough.
Step 4: Create the virtual hard disk
Since this is your first time, simply leave the defaults for now.
Step 5: Selecting the Hard Disk Storage Type
I’d go with the Dynamically Expanding Storage since it offers you a bit more flexibility in the end. This way, you don’t go over the limit you initially proposed.
Step 5: Virtual Disk Location and Size
You can change the default location of your Virtual Disk if you wish. Concerning the size, you can allocate as much as you need. Anywhere from 4GB – 8GB should be enough. You can stick to the lower end if you simply want to give Ubuntu a try.
Step 6: Welcome to the first run wizard!
Hang on tight, you are almost there.
Step 7: Select Installation Media
For now we are sticking with the CD/DVD-ROM Device option to install our Ubuntu installation since we downloaded the ISO To select our ISO simply click on the folder icon.
Step 8: Select the Ubuntu installation
Now, simply Add your Ubuntu iso and hit Select.
Step 9: Congratulations, you did it.
Congratulations. You should be followed with instructions to complete your Ubuntu installation. Now that was easy wasn’t it? If anything went wrong, you could simply delete the virtual machine and try again, or even try another distribution. If you still have any questions, feel free to ask below.
Now get going and get some programming!
Useful resources
So now that you installed Ubuntu, why not check out the following resources to help you out with your programming endeavors?
