You will need:
- VirtualBox installed on you current OS if you haven't already read the VirtualBox Installation Guide.
- An Operating System ISO file or Disk if you don't have either Download a Ubuntu ISO
Preparing VirtualBox
Open VirtualBox and you should see a screen similar to this:
(Note: My host OS is Ubuntu, on a different OS it may look a little different - this goes for all screen shots below)
Next click on the 'New' button, a window will appear, click 'Next'. Then you will see a window like below, Enter in a name for your OS, Select Linux For the Operating System and click next. (Ubuntu is the default setting for Version, if you will be installing Ubuntu 64 bit you can select it from the drop down)
(Note: If you wish to install a different OS select the relevant 'Operating System' & 'Version' options from the drop down menus.
Enter Virtual Machine Base Memory (RAM) - I usually use half of the Ram available, Click 'Next'.
Create Virtual Hard Disk - Just click 'Next' here and on the next 2 screens.
Select the size of the Virtual Disk, click 'Next', and then click 'Create' on the following screen.
You should now see this screen with your new entry in it. Click on the 'Settings' button to continue.
Now Click Storage --> Empty --> CD Icon --> 'Choose a Virtual CD/DVD disk file...'
(Alternatively if you are using a physical disk select 'Host Drive...').
Locate the Ubuntu ISO (or other OS) you downloaded, select 'Open' then 'OK'. You will be returned to the main menu.
Click the 'Start' button to begin the installation process of Ubuntu on your virtual machine.
If a 'VirtualBox - Information' message appears just check 'Do not show this message again' then 'OK'.
