Introduction

VirtualBox is a powerful virtualization tool that allows users to run multiple operating systems on their computers simultaneously. One of the most popular operating systems used in VirtualBox is Ubuntu, an open-source platform developed by Canonical Ltd. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox.

Prerequisites

To get started, ensure that you have the following:

A computer with a minimum of 2 GB RAM and 20 GB of available hard disk space.

Oracle VM VirtualBox software installed – Download it from https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads.

Ubuntu ISO file downloaded – Get the latest version from https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to install Ubuntu on VirtualBox:

Step 1: Launch VirtualBox

Open the Oracle VM VirtualBox application on your computer.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

Click on the “New” icon at the top-left corner of the window, enter a name for your virtual machine, select “Linux” as the type and “Ubuntu” as the version, then click “Next.”

Step 3: Allocate Memory Size

Assign at least 2 GB of RAM to the virtual machine by sliding the scale or entering the value in the box provided. Click “Next.”

Step 4: Configure Hard Disk Settings

Select “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click “Create.” Choose your preferred hard disk file type (VDI, VHD, or VMDK), then click “Next.” Opt for either “Dynamically allocated” or “Fixed size” storage, depending on your needs. Specify the hard disk size (a minimum of 20 GB is recommended) and choose a location to save it, then click “Create.”

Step 5: Adjust System Settings

With the virtual machine selected, click “Settings” at the top of the window. Under “System,” move to the “Processor” tab and allocate at least 2 CPU cores (or more if your system can support it). In the “Display” section, increase the video memory to a suitable level, ideally 128 MB.

Step 6: Mount Ubuntu ISO File

Navigate to the “Storage” menu and click on the optical drive icon under “Controller: IDE.” On the right side, click on the CD icon and choose “Choose/Create a Disk Image.” Locate and select your downloaded Ubuntu ISO file, then click “OK.”

Step 7: Start Installation Process

Return to the main VirtualBox window, select your virtual machine and click “Start.” Once it boots up, choose your preferred language and select one of two options: “Try Ubuntu” or “Install Ubuntu.” For this guide, we’ll choose “Install Ubuntu.”

Step 8: Complete Installation

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. During the process, you will be prompted to create a user account, select your time zone, and set up your keyboard layout. Complete these steps as desired.

Step 9: Restart Virtual Machine

Upon successful installation, a prompt will appear asking you to restart your system. Click “Restart Now.” Once it reboots, remove the mounted ISO file by navigating to “Settings > Storage,” clicking on the optical drive icon, then selecting “Remove Disk from Virtual Drive.”

Conclusion

Now that you’ve installed Ubuntu on VirtualBox successfully, you can explore its features and start using this powerful operating system without affecting your primary OS. Enjoy getting familiar with one of the most popular platforms in the world!