VirtualBox

I never used to be interested in virtualization software. I mean: why would I want to run another operating system in a window? Or for that matter: why would I want to run another operating system?

That all changed a few days ago. I’ve been wanting to switch to Feisty for a while (would make for a few good blog posts too 😉 ), but unfortunately, burning the daily build onto a CD did not work out like it should, and it cost me quite a few CD’s too.

Then my dad mentioned VirtualBox, which he could install on his Windows XP to run the ISO image without needing to burn it onto a CD! That sounded cool, so I headed over to their website.

Wow.

Not only did they have a Linux version (with Ubuntu packages!), but since January this year they have also made large parts open source! Well, I installed it (the proprietary version though, that was easiest. Sorry 😦 ) and clicked the “InnoTek VirtualBox” menu entry. Nothing happened.

Oh wait, I needed to be in the “vboxusersgroup”. OK, added myself, crossed my fingers, then launched VirtualBox again…

It was really unbelievable. I could run Xubuntu Herd 5 without problems! But of course, pictures say more than a gazillion words, so here you are:

First I created a virtual pc:

Then I selected the location of the ISO image:

And there it is: a fully function desktop!

And I can shut it down:

This is really cool, also if you do not need to dual-boot. It’s such a thrill to be able to run a LiveCD without burning it! In fact, I’m also downloading Ubuntu Feisty now, just to see what it has become by now.

But of course, you do not want to go through so much trouble as I went through to find out how to get it to work, that’s why I’ve posted this guide (for Edgy) on Xubuntuguide.org. Enjoy!