Oracle VM VirtualBox, developed by Oracle Corporation, is a free virtualization software. It enables the simultaneous operation of many operating systems on one device. Thus, you can test various systems within a virtual environment, enhancing your experience.
What is VirtualBox Virtualization Software? | What are its Features and Advantages?
VirtualBox is an essential tool that uses your computer’s resources, like the brain (processor), memory, and storage. It helps virtual machines work smoothly and in the best way possible.
Because of this, you can run many operating systems simultaneously. Each system gets its resources to use. They are in their separate world and don’t affect the main computer. It is helpful for people who make software or take care of computer systems.
VirtualBox virtualization software is user-friendly; thus, familiarizing oneself with the program is effortless. You can make new virtual devices when you download and install the Oracle software. It helps you customize your machines even more.
So, one must choose a preferred operating system for installation. You can opt for procedures such as Windows, Linux, macOS, or Solaris. Additionally, set up in the virtual environment starts. One can use the ISO file or physical installation media for these systems.
VirtualBox History
The history of Oracle’s virtualization software, now widely installed, dates back to 2007. This software owes its development to Innotek GmbH, a notable German company.
There, Klaus Knopper, a programmer and entrepreneur, conceived the VirtualBox project. So, he collaborated with Innotek to make virtual machine technologies more accessible.
VirtualBox inevitably unveiled itself in 2007. Primarily, it supported various operating platforms such as Windows, Linux, Macintosh, and Solaris. This software provided a fantastic experience. So, users adopted it, leading to its quick popularity.
Furthermore, VirtualBox, being open-source, received community contributions. So, they considered user feedback and improved the software.
Following advancements, Oracle Corporation acquired Sun Microsystems in 2008. They gained the rights to develop and distribute the VirtualBox project.
With Oracle’s support and resources, VirtualBox continued to evolve, incorporating excellent features. These benefits include an extended range of supported systems. Moreover, they offer enhanced performance, an interface, and an exceptional user experience.
System Requirements
Your computer must meet system requirements. So this ensures the effective use of the Oracle VM VirtualBox virtualization program.
- Operating System (OS)
To use VirtualBox smoothly, regularly check the requirements. To ensure your operating system works with new versions, visit the developer’s website. This proactive approach guarantees problem-free usage and optimal performance.
- Processor (CPU)
To use this software correctly, you need a particular type of CPU called a 64-bit CPU. It’s essential to check if your PC’s CPU can do virtualization technology, like Intel VT-x or AMD-v. These things are necessary for the software to work well and help you.
- Memory (RAM)
Your host must have enough RAM capacity to boost virtual machine performance. Specifically for specific systems, a least 2 GB of RAM is adequate. When you follow this rule, your virtual machines will work better and give you a great experience.
In contrast, Windows 10 or 11 operating systems need higher memory sizes. Remember, as VMs increase, more memory becomes critical for optimal performance. It ensures the most efficient and smooth operation.
- Storage Space
Having enough storage space for your guest virtual machines is essential. It occurs because each device creates a separate virtual disk file. Thus, the capacity of your host disk should be high to accommodate these files.
Additionally, it is advisable to use a PC equipped with SSD or NVMe disk technology. It enables you to use virtual machines at the most significant performance. Using these technologies makes your virtual machines work faster and respond quickly.
- Display Card
VirtualBox designed it to be compatible with standard graphics cards. But you can use advanced 3D graphics features. In that case, your host computer must have a compatible graphics driver.
Other Hardware and Devices
Suppose you intend to use USB devices within the virtual system running on your computer. So, proper configuration and compatibility are crucial for seamless operation on your computer. In that case, ensuring that the virtualization software supports these functionalities is essential.
Oracle VM VirtualBox Features
VirtualBox software has several main features, making it versatile. Specifically, it offers a wide range of powerful features that cater to its users’ needs. These features;
- Various Operating System Support
You can use various operating systems on your computer, like Windows and others. Equipped with virtualization support, this allows for seamless multi-platform usage.
- Easy User Interface
The interface of VirtualBox is intuitive. It allows users to make and manage virtual machines (VMs). Additionally, it facilitates the efficient management of VMs.
- Flexibility and Customization
Users can access virtual system settings. They can also access virtual system resources. With this, you can change how your computer works. You can adjust memory, processor, storage, and network settings! By customizing these settings, users can optimize system performance.
- Hardware Support
Users can emulate the hardware components of VMs. It allows them to run applications dependent on real hardware. For instance, users can configure USB devices, network adapters, and sound cards. So, users gain flexibility in running diverse applications.
- Snapshot and Undo Feature
Utilizing the snapshot feature, users can capture the present state. They can securely store the state of their virtual systems. This feature grants users the flexibility to revert to a specific state. As a result, users can restore previous configurations with ease.
- Network Configuration
Users can connect virtual machines via the network. They can also link them through the host computer. Additionally, users can configure virtual machines to operate in an isolated network environment. Moreover, they can customize network settings at an advanced level. It includes tasks like port forwarding and advanced networking configurations. Thus, users have extensive control over network connectivity.
Extensibility of Oracle
The Oracle software includes an extension mechanism. It enhances the efficiency of virtual machines. Leveraging host resources achieves this. Users can install extensions.
These extensions not only improve VM features but also activate extra functionalities. For instance, users can enable USB 2.0/3.0 support and use diverse virtual disk types. And users can unlock enhanced capabilities and expanded options.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Oracle VM VirtualBox is a valuable tool. Many users worldwide prefer it as computer virtualization software. Now, let’s explore the advantages of VirtualBox. But, we should also consider its disadvantages.
Advantages
1) Multi-Operating System Support
It allows running different operating systems on the same physical computer. It eliminates the need for an extra computer for system experimentation. For example, you can run Linux on Windows 10 or 11 or run Windows systems on a Macintosh.
2) Ease of Use
VirtualBox provides a seamless background through its intuitive interface, simplifying creation. Installing and running virtual machines becomes effortless. Moreover, it streamlines the entire process.
3) Resource Efficiency
You can run many systems on the same PC. You can efficiently share resources among virtual systems. Moreover, this approach maximizes resource use.
4) Isolation and Security
Virtual machines operate in isolated environments. Isolated from each other and the host system. As a result, any issues occurring in a virtual system have no impact on the host system.
Disadvantages
1) Performance Impact
Guest machines may experience performance impact. It occurs when running on a physical PC due to resource sharing. But, it’s important to note that performance remains satisfactory.
Performance slowdowns are possible, especially in specific applications. These applications rely on the host device. It’s important to note that overall performance remains satisfactory. However, it’s important to note that performance remains acceptable.
2) Hardware Limitations
Guest machines may have particular limitations based on the physical computer’s hardware. Examples of these limitations include demanding applications or games that require high performance. In this case, there may be a need to improve graphics performance or network speed.
3) Learning Curve
Using Oracle VM VirtualBox software is straightforward. But, users unfamiliar with virtualization technologies may find it challenging. Nonetheless, users can quickly grasp its functionalities with some guidance and practice.
Some challenges include setting up VMs—additionally, understanding network configurations, and managing resources. So, users may need more knowledge or support.
4) License Limitations
Users can access this software for free. But, extra features or commercial usage may need licensing. So, it is crucial to get the appropriate licensing when necessary.
How VirtualBox Works?
The Oracle virtual machine software allows running many operating systems. It leverages computer virtualization technology on the same physical PC. The software operates based on the relationship between the host and guest systems. As a result, users can manage and interact with various operating systems on a single machine. This level of versatility enhances productivity and flexibility.
The VirtualBox software operates at the host level. It serves as the fundamental infrastructure. Furthermore, it plays a critical role in running virtual systems. The VMs, so, are virtual environments running on the software. Each guest system provides an isolated platform. It allows running an operating system and applications from the host. As a result, users can form and manage separate environments for different purposes.
By default, virtual machines use VDI files. These files serve as virtual disks on the host. They enable system installation within the disk. Moreover, VDI files offer convenient features like disk copying or moving. Thus, users can easily manage their virtual machine configurations.
The logic behind VirtualBox is efficient resource sharing. It allocates host resources among virtual systems. Also, it balances different guests’ CPU and memory requirements by utilizing time sharing. It ensures optimal resource use across VMs.
Operating Systems Supported by VirtualBox
You can review the table below. It contains tested operating systems supported by VirtualBox on your host PC. Moreover, this provides information about compatible operating systems.
Installation Video
Frequently Asked Questions About Oracle VM (FAQ)
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TolgaBagci
Hi, I'm Tolga, a computer expert with 20 years of experience. I help fix computer issues with things like hardware, systems, networks, virtualization, servers, and operating systems. Check out my website for helpful info, and feel free to ask me anything. Keep yourself in the loop about the newest technologies!
