Installing Ubuntu on VirtualBox: Simple Step-by-Step Instructions🎯💻⚙️

Danish TamboliDanish Tamboli
5 min read

Why Install☢️ Ubuntu on VirtualBox? 🤔

With VirtualBox💬, you can explore Ubuntu on your computer🖥️ without any permanent📈 changes. Here’s why it’s a great idea💡:

  • No Changes to Your Main System 🛡️: You won’t need to alter or replace your current setup🚀.

  • Simple and Safe to Try 🔒: Test Ubuntu, learn Linux basics, or experiment—all safely🛡️!

  • Great for Learning 📚: Perfect for students👨🏻‍💻, hobbyists, or anyone curious about Linux🎓.

🔹 Think of it like test-driving a car 🚗: You get the experience🗓️ without the long-term commitment🦾*.*


What You’ll Need 📝

Here’s what you need to get started🌟:

  1. VirtualBox: Download it from👉 VirtualBox’s website.

  2. Ubuntu ISO file: Download the latest version from👉 Ubuntu’s official site.

Once you have these➡️, you’re ready to roll!


Step-by-Step Guide to Install Ubuntu on VirtualBox 📥🔥📝

Step 1: Install and Open VirtualBox 🛠️

  1. Launch VirtualBox: Open VirtualBox after installing it🌐🖱️.

  2. Create a New Virtual Machine🗣:

    • Click New and type Ubuntu as the name💭.

    • Set Type to Linux and Version to **Ubuntu (64-bit)**🖥️.

    • Click Next👇.

  3. **Allocate Memory (RAM)**🏡:

    • Set the memory size to at least 2 GB (2048 MB), or more if you have extra🛠️.
  4. Create a Virtual Hard Disk📖:

    • Select Create a virtual hard disk now and click Create💻⚙️.

    • Choose Dynamically allocated (uses space only as needed)📟.

    • Set the disk size to 25 GB or more, then click Create💻.

🔹 *Imagine setting up a “room” for Ubuntu in a virtual hotel 🏨 within your computer—safe and separate!*🛜


Step 2: Load the Ubuntu ISO File 🔽

Now, let’s get Ubuntu ready for installation😎!

  1. Go to VirtualBox Settings🔧:

    • Select your new Ubuntu machine, then click Settings⚙️.
  2. Add the Ubuntu ISO🕹️:

    • Go to Storage in the Settings window🎛️.

    • Under Controller: IDE, click the Empty disk icon📦.

    • On the right, click the CD icon and choose Choose a disk file🤳.

    • Browse🌐 to your downloaded Ubuntu ISO and select it📌.

    • Click OK to save📌.

🔹 Real-Life Example: It’s like putting an Ubuntu “disc” into a virtual player on your computer 💿.


Step 3: Start the Virtual Machine and Begin Installation 🚀🔗

  1. Click Start❗:

    • Select your Ubuntu virtual machine and click Start🚗.
  2. Boot from the ISO✨:

    • The virtual machine will start and load Ubuntu from the ISO file💼.
  3. **Choose “Try Ubuntu” or “Install Ubuntu”**👨🏻‍💻:

    • Try Ubuntu👨🏻‍💻: For a preview of Ubuntu.

    • Install Ubuntu: To install it fully on VirtualBox💻⚙️.

  4. Select Language and Click Continue👥:

    • Choose your language and continue▶️.

🔹 Think of this as the “setup wizard” 🧙‍♂️ guiding you through the steps🛡️*.*


Step 4: Choose Installation Options ⚙️

  1. Keyboard Layout⌨️:

    • Select your keyboard layout (usually English (US)⌨️.
  2. Updates and Software Options🔥:

    • Choose Normal Installation for a full Ubuntu experience⚙️.

    • Optionally, tick Download updates while installing Ubuntu📌 to get the latest updates🔧.

🔹 Tip: This is like installing a few basic apps📌 alongside the main program—think of it like setting⚙️ up your new phone with all the essentials! 📲

  1. Installation Type📌:

    • Choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu (this only affects the virtual disk inside VirtualBox, not your real computer!)💻⚙️.

    • Click Install Now and Continue when prompted🤝.


Step 5: Set Up Your Ubuntu User 👤

Ubuntu will ask you for some information to set up your user profile💬:

  1. Time Zone➡️:

    • Select your time zone to set the correct time on Ubuntu🌍.
  2. Create Username and Password🛡️:

    • Choose a username and create a strong password💥.
  3. Click Continue to begin the actual installation📺.

Example: This is like creating your profile on a new device, so Ubuntu recognizes you every time you log in! 🔑♻️


Step 6: Wait for Installation to Complete ⏳

The installation will take a few minutes♻️. Grab a cup of coffee or relax while Ubuntu installs! ☕️

  • When it’s finished, you’ll see a message to Restart Now🔑.

  • Ignore the prompt to🎨 “remove the installation medium” (it’s virtual, so you don’t have to)💎.

  • Click Restart and Ubuntu will start up fresh📦.


Step 7: Start Exploring Ubuntu 🎉

Congratulations! You’re now running Ubuntu on VirtualBox💻⚙️. Here are a few things you can do to get started📢:

  • Explore the Software Center 📲: Download apps like Firefox🌐, Spotify, and more🤖.

  • Check Out the Terminal 💻: Try a few basic commands if you’re interested in learning Linux.

  • Customize Settings ⚙️: Change the background, themes, and other preferences to make it feel like your own.

🔹 Fact: Running Ubuntu on VirtualBox is like having a “mini computer” inside your main computer💻⚙️. You can explore and even mess around—without affecting your main OS! 🖥️


Tips for Different Types of Users 🎯

Ubuntu on VirtualBox is useful for many different types of people🤝. Here’s how it might fit your needs📡:

1. Students and Learners 📚

  • A controlled environment to practice Linux commands💥.

  • Great for experimenting with coding projects or Linux assignments🤗.

2. Developers and IT Enthusiasts 🧑‍💻

  • Run multiple operating systems for testing and development🛜.

  • Useful for trying Ubuntu-specific applications or managing server projects📑.


FAQ 💬

**1. Can I switch back to my main OS anytime?**⬇️

  • Yes💳! VirtualBox runs Ubuntu in a window⊞, so you can easily switch between them🖥️.

2. Will Ubuntu on VirtualBox be slower than normal🗄️**?**

  • It might be slightly slower since it’s virtual🖼, but you can adjust settings (RAM, CPUs) to improve speed⚡.

3. What if I don’t like it🔍?

  • No problem! Just delete the virtual machine in VirtualBox📄, and it’s like Ubuntu was never there💨.

Final Thoughts 🌈

Installing☀️ Ubuntu on VirtualBox is a fantastic way to experience Linux🐧 without making🚪 any permanent changes to your computer💻. It’s an easy setup that’s perfect for learning⚠️, experimenting, and testing new things📝. Ubuntu offers a powerful🗂️, customizable environment—great for both newcomers and tech enthusiasts!🪪

So go ahead, give Ubuntu a spin in VirtualBox🛢, and explore a whole new world of possibilities! 🎉

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Danish Tamboli
Danish Tamboli