Difference between revisions of "VirtualBox"

Before even ''thinking'' about installing Virtualbox, it is <u>'''absolutely essential'''</U> to first ensure that '''virtualisation''' has been enabled on your computer. Otherwise - if virtualisation has not been enabled - then assuming Virtualbox can even be run at all, its features and capabilities will be severely limited. For example, where Virtualbox has been installed on a 64-bit system, it will only be able to run 32-bit operating systems as Guests. As virtualisation is usually disabled by default, it will therefore be necessary to go into your computer's BIOS settings in order to activate it.  

= Installing Virtualbox and its Extension Pack=

Although a basic Virtualbox Installation may suffice for some users, it is also recommended to download and install the optional '''Extension Pack''' for it. This provides several new features, including the ability to use USB devices such as data sticks and printers in virtual machine environments.

==Install Virtualbox==

{{tip|You will need to know what kernel version is being run when installing Virtualbox. To acquire this information, enter the command '''uname -r''' into the terminal.}}

To install Virtualbox, enter the following command in the terminal:

It will then be necessary to select the appropriate '''Virtualbox Host Module''' to install, depending on the kernel version currently being run. Rather like installing a driver, doing so will ensure that Virtualbox is able to run properly. For example, where running kernel 3.7, the appropriate number would be entered to install the following module:

Once the installation has completed, it will then be necessary to add the ''Virtualbox Module'' to your kernel. '''The easy way is to simply reboot your system'''. Otherwise, to start using Virtualbox immediately, enter the following command:

'''Should a new kernel be installed at a later time''', there will be no need to add the Virtualbox module again to it. This is because the '''[[Manjaro_Kernels|Manjaro Hardware Detection tool for Kernels]]''' (mwhd-kernel) will automatically update new kernels with all existing modules being used during the installation process.

'''However, should multiple kernels already be installed''' - and the intention is to use Virtualbox with them as well - then it will be necessary to add the Virtualbox module to them in addition. In order to add the Virtualbox module to another existing kernel:

2. Download the '''Virtualbox Host Utilities''' for that particular kernel, as this provides the necessary ''vboxdrv'' Virtualbox module to add. The syntax of the command to do so is:

When listing the kernel version currently being used in the command, it is not necessary to write the entire version number. Any version of Kernel 3.5 can be listed simply as 'linux35', and any version of Kernel 3.6 can be listed as 'linux36', and so on. As an example, the following command will install  the ''Virtualbox Host Utilities'' specifically for kernel version 3.5:

3. Once the ''Virtualbox Host Utilities'' have been downloaded, enter the following command to add the virtualbox module to the kernel:

If it is obtained directly from Oracle, '''[http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/server-storage/virtualbox/downloads/index.html Virtualbox Downloads Section of Oracle's website]''', be aware that you will have to give personal details to Oracle. Again, the Extension pack provides a number of additional and advanced features not otherwise available. Even if there is no immediate intention to use the features provided, it is still worthwhile installing in order to have a complete installation. Once at the downloads section of Oracle's website, to obtain the Virtualbox Extension Pack:

1. Scroll down towards the bottom of the page to find the '''Oracle VM Virtualbox Extension Pack''' section

2. Click on the appropriate link for the Virtualbox version installed to download the Extension Pack

3. After the Extension Pack has downloaded, start the Virtualbox application

4. Once Virtualbox has started, select '''File''' from the top menu, and then '''Preferences'''

The final step is to now add your personal user account to the '''vbox User Group'''. This is necessary in order to fully access the features provided by Virtualbox, including the ability to use USB devices in a Guest operating system.

{{tip|The '''[http://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ Virtualbox Manual]''' will be of immense use to new users.}}

==Running Manjaro in Virtualbox==

For those intending to use Virtualbox in Ubuntu or an Ubuntu-based distribution (e.g. Mint, Zorin, Kubuntu, etc) - in order to run Manjaro in it, of course! - the author has provided a comprehensive YouTube Virtualbox video guide:

* Part 1: '''[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9PusQjgzPU Virtualbox Introduction]'''

Existing Manjaro users may still find Part 3 of particular interest if they are unfamiliar with using virtualbox. '''However, please note that the Guest Additions section in the fourth video does not apply to Manjaro or <u>any</u> Arch-based distribution'''. In respect to Manjaro, this is because Guest Additions - special software designed to enhance and improve Virtualbox installations - will already have been pre-installed for you. More importantly, using the method shown to install Guest Additions in Manjaro (or any Arch-based distribution) will break the system permanently, rendering it unusable.

Some users have encountered problems when attempting to connect their virtual machine to the internet using the default Virtualbox settings. Where this is the case, try the following solution (covered in the fourth Virtualbox YouTube Tutorial from the 4:28 mark):

* A virtualbox installation may not automatically detect when USB device has been connected. As such, it may therefore be necessary to click the USB icon located at the bottom of the Virtualbox window in order to select and activate it.