In this guide, we will explain how to get a virtual Ubuntu machine running on your Mac. We will be using Oracle’s free and open-source VirtualBox software to do this.
VirtualBox is a powerful x86 and AMD64/Intel64 virtualization product for enterprise as well as home use.
Not only is VirtualBox an extremely feature rich, high performance product for enterprise customers.
It is also the only professional solution that is freely available as Open Source Software under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2.
Contents
What is a virtual machine?
A virtual machine is a software program that creates a virtual environment for other programs to run in.
This environment acts like a separate computer, with its own CPU, memory, and storage.
Virtual machines are often used to run different operating systems, or to run programs that are not compatible with the host computer’s operating system.
In order for a virtual machine to work, you need to have special software called a hypervisor.
The most common hypervisor for personal computers is VMware Workstation Player.
Why use a virtual machine?
There are several reasons why you might want to use a virtual machine. One reason is that you can try out a different operating system without having to dual boot your computer.
This can be handy if you want to use Linux for software development but still have access to macOS for other tasks.
Another reason to use a virtual machine is for security. By running a second operating system in a virtual machine, you can isolate it from your main operating system.
This way, if there is a security breach in the virtual machine, your main operating system will remain unaffected.
Finally, using a virtual machine can be more efficient than dual booting because you can run both operating systems at the same time.
This can be handy if you need to use both macOS and Linux for work or school.
What are the benefits of using a virtual machine on a Mac?
There are many benefits to using a virtual machine on a Mac. A virtual machine can help you to:
- -Test software in different operating systems
- -Easily switch between operating systems
- -Isolate different operating systems from each other
- -Run resource-intensive applications
How to use a virtual machine on a Mac
If you’re a Mac user, you might find yourself in need of a virtual machine (VM) from time to time.
Maybe you want to run Windows on your Mac, or maybe you need to run an older version of macOS for compatibility reasons.
Whatever the case may be, there are a few different ways to go about setting up a VM on your Mac.
One popular method is to use VirtualBox, which is a free and open-source VM software.
Another option is to use VMware Fusion, which is a commercial VM software (with a free trial available).
Or, if you’re using macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later, you can use Apple’s built-in virtualization software called Apple Parallels Desktop.
Let’s take a look at how to set up each of these options so that you can decide which one is right for you.
What are the drawbacks of using a virtual machine on a Mac?
One of the main drawbacks of using a virtual machine on a Mac is that it can be quite slow.
This is because the Mac has to share its processing power and memory with the virtual machine.
Another drawback is that it can be difficult to transfer files between the Mac and the virtual machine.
Conclusion
Now that you have your Ubuntu machine up and running, there are a few things you can do to make the most of it. First, be sure to install all the updates and security patches. To do this, open the Terminal and type:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgradeYou should also install any additional software you need, such as a web browser or office suite. And that’s it! You now have a fully functioning Ubuntu machine that you can use for whatever purpose you need.
