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What is Virtualbox?

Last Updated : 01 Feb, 2024
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In this article, you will learn about Oracle Virtual Box. Some of you may also use a virtual box to run more than one operating system on your computer or Linux. So basically, it is software that enables us to run operating systems like Ubuntu, Windows, and many other operating systems. I describe its origin, usage, and ownership. Have a look at the article and comment below if you have any queries related to this article.

What is a Virtual Box?

Oracle Corporation developed a virtual box, and it is also known as VB. It acts like a hypervisor for X86 machines. Originally, it was created by Innotek GmbH, and they made it accessible to all in 2007. After that, it was bought by Sun Microsoft in 2008. Since then, it has been developed by Oracle, and people refer to it as Oracle VM Virtual Box. VirtualBox comes in a variety of flavors, depending on the operating system for which it is configured. VirtualBox Ubuntu is more common, however, VirtualBox for Windows is also popular. With the introduction of Android phones, VirtualBox for Android has emerged as the new face of virtual machines in smartphones.

Use of Virtual Box

In general, a Virtual Box is a software virtualization program that may be run as an application on any operating system. It’s one of the numerous advantages of Virtual Box. It supports the installation of additional operating systems, known as Guest OS. It may then set up and administer free guest virtual machines, each with its own operating system and virtual environment. Virtual Box is supported by several operating systems, including Windows XP, Windows 7, Linux, Windows Vista, Mac OS X, Solaris, and Open Solaris. Windows, Linux, OS/2, BSD, Haiku, and other guest operating systems are supported in various versions and derivatives.

It can be used in following project

  • Software portability
  • Application development
  • System testing and debugging
  • Network simulation
  • General computing

Advantages of Virtual Box

  • Isolation – A virtual machine’s isolated environment is suitable for testing software or running programmes that demand more resources than are accessible in other settings.
  • Virtualization- VirtualBox allows users to run another OS on a single computer without purchasing a new device. It generates a virtual machine that functions just like a real computer, with its own processing cores, RAM, and hard disc space dedicated only to the virtual environment.
  • Cross-Platform Compatability- VirtualBox can run Windows, Linux, Solaris, Open Solaris, and MacOS as its host operating system (OS). Users do not have to be concerned about compatibility difficulties while setting up virtual computers on numerous devices or platforms.
  • Easy Control Panel- VirtualBox’s simple control interface makes it easier to configure parameters like CPU cores and RAM. Users may begin working on their projects within a few moments of installing the software program on their PCs or laptops.
  • Multiple Modes- Users have control over how they interact with their installations. Whether in full-screen mode, flawless window mode, scaled window mode, or 3D graphics acceleration. This allows users to customize their experience according to the kind of project they are working on.

DIsadvantages of Virtual Box

  • VirtualBox, however, relies on the computer’s hardware. Thus, the virtual machine will only be effective if the host is faster and more powerful. As a result, VirtualBox is dependent on its host computer.
  • If the host computer has any defects and the OS only has one virtual machine, just that system will be affected; if there are several virtual machines operating on the same OS, all of them would be affected.
  • Though these machines act like real machines, they are not genuine; hence, the host CPU must accept the request, resulting in delayed usability. So, when compared to real computers, these virtual machines are not as efficient.

Installation of Virtual Box

  • Download it from its official website at Oracle VM Virtual Box site.
  • Select your platform package.
  • Click on the installer.exe.
  • Follow all the Virtual Box installer.exe instruction.
  • Start your Virtual Box and create your OS file.

Frequently Asked Questions on Virtualbox – FAQs

What is the purpose of Virtual Box?

Virtual Box is mainly used for testing software, running ,multiple OS simultaneously and created a favourable environment for experiment and development.

What are the other option except Virtual Box?

If you don’t want to use virtual box so you can go with option like VMware, Vmware workstation pro VMware fusion and Citrix Daas.

What is more faster to use Vmware or Virtual Box?

Virtual machine that are created by VMware are more faster than virtual box. This speed can be seen in smaller project but for large project it could be change.


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