Installing Virtualbox 101

I use a virtualisation of windows inside my linux builds so I can deal with my windows dependency quickly and easily. Let's not kid ourselves, some things just won't work (easily) in linux. Take Dynojet's Powercommander software...


Before we begin, understand four terms:
Host Computer: The physical hardware you can hold.
Virtual Computer: The VirtualBox software, which lets the Guest OS think it's running on hardware.
Host OS: The operating system you are installing VirtualBox into. In this case Linux.
Guest OS: The operating system you are installing into VirtualBox. In this case, windows.

First thing, go to the Virtualbox downloads page... HERE

There you will see a number of downloads. You'll be wanting full USB support, so you should download the Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack, there is one download for all host platforms, since it's just an add-in package for VirtualBox.

There is also a list of host platforms, and you just need to download the one for your host operating system. In our case, follow the link on the downloads page to VirtualBox for Linux hosts. Once there, you need to choose your flavour of Linux, and the processor type of your host computer.

Installing VirtualBox

1. Run the VirtualBox download. It's a DEB package, so in Ubuntu it will launch the DEB package manager automatically. 
2. Click 'Install Package'. 
3. Once installed you can run the package for the Extension Pack.
4. Click 'Install'.
5. Scroll to the bottom of the licence agreement.
6. Click 'Accept'.
7. Keep the VirtualBox application open.

Setting Host User Permissions
If we're working on the assumption you need USB support for your virtual computer, you'll need to add permissions for your account in your host computer. In Ubuntu this is as easy as:

1. System -> Administration -> Users and Groups. Click 'Manage Groups'. 
2. Scroll down to the 'vboxusers' group. 
3. Click 'Properties'. 
4. Tick the check box beside the users you want to have access.

Building your Virtual Hardware Profile

1. Click 'New'.
2. Click 'Next'.
3. Give your machine a name, like 'WinXP' or 'Win7'.
4. Ensure the 'OS Type' details are accurate.
5. Continue to click 'Next' and accept the default values, VBox will attempt to set the values best to suit your host OS, virtual OS and hardware specification. You can go back to the settings later and tweak them as required.
6. Click 'Create'.
7. Check the summary and click 'Create' again.

Installing your Guest OS

1. Click 'Start'.
2. Install your Guest OS like you would on a regular hardware machine.
3. Perform any security updates.
4. Install any windows software.

Install Guest Additions
With your new virtual machine running

1. Click on the 'Devices' menu in the top menu bar.
2. Click 'Install Guest Additions...'
3. Accept any dialogues about mounting.
4. Restart your virtual machine.