PC users can use different types of operating systems in their work. Sometimes it is very necessary, being in one OS, to use the functions of another, and rebooting is undesirable. There is a great solution - “virtual machines”. Among the most famous in the global IT market is VirtualBox. What are its features? How is the network setup necessary for working with VirtualBox implemented?
What is VirtualBox?
VirtualBox is, as we noted above, a “virtual machine”. In other words, this is a software environment that allows you to load a particular operating system in almost full mode when the user is in the interface of another OS.
That is, for example, if a person is running Windows, then he can, using VirtualBox, run (and before that - install) on a Linux PC without rebooting. The practical usefulness of this function can consist, for example, in the fact that when working with Windows-based programs, you can fully utilize the functions of the server operating systems of the Linux line, which in some cases are irreplaceable. The reverse procedure is possible, by the way.
The full name of the "virtual machine" in question is Oracle VM VirtualBox, as it was developed by the famous American corporation. Consider the main features of the solution from Oracle.
VirtualBox Features
VirtualBox is a great alternative to solutions such as Wine, used when a Linux user needs to run a program for Windows. At the same time, using Wine does not guarantee a successful launch of Windows-oriented software. In turn, the "virtual machine" allows you to download the appropriate OS interfaces from Microsoft and use them with almost the same functionality as with a separate Windows boot.
So, when solving computer network management tasks, such capabilities are extremely in demand. The most important thing to fully utilize the potential of Windows or Linux through VirtualBox is to configure the network in accordance with the correct algorithms.
Terms of use
Among the main advantages of VirtualBox is free of charge. At the same time, this solution is actually released in a single version, and therefore, having mastered the intricacies of working with it, you can easily use it later without fearing that the developer will release completely new interfaces. Note, however, that Oracle has created an additional package to the “virtual machine” - Expension Pack, which includes such solutions as, for example, an RDP server, with which you can connect to the virtual machine remotely using the appropriate protocol type. An extended package for VirtualBox for personal use - that is, for non-commercial use - is delivered to enthusiasts of useful IT solutions for free.
Opportunities
What are the most notable features of VirtualBox?
First of all, it is virtualization on platforms like x86 - no support for Intel VT, as well as AMD-V.
The program is characterized by an intuitive user-friendly interface. Russian language is also supported in VirtualBox. Network setup and other tasks will thus be facilitated for Russian users.
VirtualBox is a cross-platform solution. It is suitable for Windows, Linux, Mac OS.
There is support for processors with multiple cores, as well as computers in which several relevant chips are installed.
There is Guest VM Additions, which allows you to optimize communication with the OS on which the program runs.
The performance of a virtual machine, according to many IT experts, is at the highest level.
Among the key tasks in preparing to work with VirtualBox is network configuration. Consider its main nuances of its solution.
Virtual machine installation
So, we have to configure the network of the VirtualBox virtual machine . Let's study the key nuances of its installation on the user's computer, as well as the algorithms of the basic steps for setting up this software. First you need to download the distribution package of the program on the website virtualbox.org and install the solution on a PC. What nuances may accompany the solution of this problem? For example, you must confirm the installation of the virtual interface required for the network to work. However, the actual connection may be temporarily deactivated.
Key virtual machine settings
Next, run the program. The main interface window will display a list of virtual machines that can be run on a PC. When you first load the program, it will most likely be empty. Therefore, the user will need to create a virtual machine on their own. To do this, click the appropriate button, after - select the type of virtual machine and its name. The OS that many users prefer to install on VirtualBox is Ubuntu. Network setup with its help is carried out quickly enough, its attendant nuances are easy to master.
After choosing the type of virtual machine in the settings, you must specify how much RAM the program can use. The recommended value is 1 GB. After that, you need to create a virtual disk space - this is done on the computer's hard drive. To do this, you need to specify in the settings that a file type such as VDI will be used. It should also be noted in the program that the disk will be dynamic. After we indicate the size of the hard drive, for example, 8 GB (to run the "virtual machine" does not need too much disk space).
Let's consider how to configure the "virtual machine" from Oracle. It can be run in the interface of almost any version of Windows, including the most widespread in the world - Windows 7.
The basic nuances of configuring VirtualBox in Windows 7
Having installed the program, for example, in Windows 7, you will need to configure some of its key options. In the main window of the VirtualBox interface, right-click on the created “virtual machine” and select the “Properties” option. The key point that interests us in the corresponding interface is the type of buffer between the two systems: the base and the guest. The corresponding option is in the “General” tab. It is best to tell the program to use a bi-directional buffer.
It is also useful to select the menu item "File", after - go to "Settings". In the "General" section, select the "Folder for machines" list. We mark the option “Other” and indicate the folder where the files of the virtual machine will be located. In the "Input" section, you can configure the key with which the keyboard input and mouse manipulation are redirected to the interfaces of the virtual machine. You can also customize the display - for example, in terms of maximum screen resolution.
Starting VirtualBox and installing a second OS
After the basic settings are made, you can start the "virtual machine". To do this, select its name from the list in the main menu and click on the "Start" button. After that, the interface opens, with which you can install the required OS. Her distribution, therefore, should be ready - for example, in the form recorded on a CD or DVD. After the OS is installed, we can proceed to such a stage as direct configuration of the VirtualBox virtual network.
Network Setup: Key Options
You must select the type of virtual OS and click the "Configure" button. After that, go to the "General" tab. Here we are interested in the "Network" section. You must select a connection type such as a bridge. He assumes that a channel will be formed between the PC network card and the virtual machine, with which the corresponding resource of the current OS can be used in another operating system. Note that in the "Shared Folders" section, you can manage the corresponding items for storing files that appear during the exchange between the PC and the virtual machine.
Network setup in the "virtual" Ubuntu OS
As we noted at the beginning of the article, the optimal virtual environment when using VirtualBox is Ubuntu. Network configuration through the use of this operating system can be implemented as part of the following algorithm. First you need to download one of the OS versions that is best adapted to solve the problem in question. You need to go to releases.ubuntu.com, then select version 14.04 LTS. After that you should download the ISO-image of the OS. If the user has a 64-bit PC, then a version of Ubuntu of the appropriate type will be needed. Next, using the VirtualBox interface, you need to start the OS installation process (we examined how this mechanism works). After installing the “virtual” Ubuntu, we proceed to the main stages of such a procedure as setting up a VirtualBox network. Windows 7 can also be used to solve this problem.
We can use a remote server configuration script using the SSH protocol - in fact, to use this feature, we installed a “virtual machine”. Among the most convenient tools for working with SSH in Windows is the PuTTY program. It must be downloaded from putty.org. But before that, you need to correctly install Ubuntu - there are some nuances in solving this problem. Consider them.
Features of installing the OS in a virtual machine
At the beginning of the Ubuntu installation, the system will ask for the desired language settings. After entering them, installation of additional components will begin. During the installation of the OS, the system may attempt to configure the network with DHCP, but this should be done only if this type of server is on the network. If they are not, then the user will be asked to set the appropriate settings manually. But at the current stage of installation, this is not necessary - you can skip this step.
Among the options that are important to us is the name of the computer. It might sound something like this: computer227.computer227network.com. This, of course, is not an address on the Internet, but just the necessary network identifier of the PC. Next, you need to configure user accounts. You need to keep in mind that you cannot use the word admin as a nickname - this is the specifics of the Ubuntu OS (it is reserved in the system). You can choose an option like userhost, for example. Password - any that will be convenient for the PC owner.
The next step in installing Ubuntu is to set the time and time zones. It is advisable to indicate the real ones.
Next, you need to specify the parameters for the hard drive. The corresponding options depend on the resources available to the user, as well as on the distribution of free space on the hard drive.
After setting up the hard drive, downloading of the main files will start. After its completion, the system will offer to configure APT packets - but this is important only if the user wants to install a proxy server. We agree that we will not use it on the network, so this configuration step can be skipped.
Next, the system will ask if you want to install automatic updates. Many IT specialists prefer not to carry out this procedure, since in this case it is possible to completely control the processes in the OS. Then, in the interface window, you should mark OpenSSH as the type of software used.
In the further installation process of Ubuntu, the system will ask if the GRUB bootloader should be installed in the appropriate area of the disk. After the OS is fully installed, you need to restart the PC.
Basic network options
The next stage of working with VM VirtualBox is network configuration through the Ubuntu OS interfaces. You must enter the operating system by specifying the username and password that we determined during the installation.
The next necessary action is to obtain access rights at the ROOT level, that is, the superuser. The activation of the corresponding option is required.
This can be done by entering the command: sudo su. Another option is to enter sudo passwd root with a password on the command line. Actually, these are the main settings at this stage. You can download the PuTTY program and manage the server on the Ubuntu OS through a virtual machine.
Nuances of network settings
What are the nuances regarding working with Oracle VirtualBox? Network setup may require adjustments to a number of other options. Which ones?
For example, you may need to configure the server in terms of establishing a permanent IP address on it. To do this, make the appropriate changes to / etc / network / interfaces. This is done through the following command: nano / etc / network / interfaces. After that, you can reboot the network with the following command: /etc/init.d/networking restart.
Then you need to make adjustments to / etc / hosts using the appropriate nano command. The following settings must be present in the file structure:
- 127.0.0.1 - for localhost;
- 192.168.0.1 (if the IP address of the computer on the local network is different from the specified one, write the correct one) for the server address indicated above, that is, computer277.computer277network.com computer277.
Next, enter the command echo computer277.computer277network.com> / etc / hostname, then /etc/init.d/hostname restart. After that, enter hostname, hostname-f. The server address should be displayed on the screen.
Next, you need to synchronize the clock running in the system with a time server on the Internet. To do this, enter apt-get install ntp update on the command line. This completes the configuration. Then you can fully use Oracle VM VirtualBox. Network setup is quite simple. The subsequent use of Ubuntu with the help of a “virtual machine” suggests the possibility of using the widest range of functions of this server OS.
Universal tool: works in Windows XP
Does Oracle virtual machine work in relatively outdated versions of Windows, for example XP? Yes, it is quite. In accordance with the considered algorithm, it is possible to configure other operating systems using VirtualBox. Network setup Windows XP, of course, will be carried out in slightly different ways. In particular, the command line, as in Ubuntu, will not be used during this procedure.
However, Windows XP has local network control elements that are understandable even to an unprepared user, and working with them should not be accompanied by tangible difficulties and failures.
Of course, in addition to Ubuntu, other Linux operating systems are compatible with “virtual machine” algorithms. Among those that are great for use with VirtualBox are CentOS. Network configuration in this Linux distribution will be based on algorithms that are generally similar to those that we used when working with Ubuntu.