Last updated: 28 Apr 2011

Using VirtualBox

VirtualBox allows you to either:

• create a virtual machine (VM) to your specifications on the host computer (the real computer), start/pause/stop the VM, and install/configure/use a guest operating system inside the VM
• manage an existing VM

VirtualBox is installed in the DOU101 classroom and in all of the Institute Labs. Its use depends on how it is hosted:

• Hosted on Windows:

  A virtual machine hosted on Windows provides a test environment using a guest operating system. This test environment often allows full control of the guest operating system.

• Hosted on Linux:

  A virtual machine hosted on Linux either:

  • supports a standard environment using a guest operating system (e.g., Windows XP or Windows 7) -- user logs in with own account but has no administrative privileges
  • supports a guest operating system for privileged users -- the user logs in and can elevate privileges to allow full control of the OS

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