How to Make a Virtual Computer?

Creating a virtual computer, also known as a virtual machine (VM), involves several key steps that allow you to run an operating system within your existing one. This process utilizes virtualization software, such as VirtualBox. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the provided reference:

Steps to Create a Virtual Computer

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process, incorporating the steps from the provided reference:

1. Download the ISO:

   • You first need to obtain an ISO file, which is a disk image of the operating system you wish to install on your virtual machine. For example, you can download an ISO of Linux or Windows operating system.

2. Open VirtualBox:

   • Launch your virtualization software, such as VirtualBox. This software will create the environment for your virtual computer.

3. Create a New Virtual Machine:

   • Within VirtualBox, begin creating a new virtual machine. Give it a relevant name and select the type and version of the operating system you intend to install.

4. Allocate Resources:

   • Next, allocate resources to the virtual machine. This includes:
     • RAM (Random Access Memory): Determine how much RAM to dedicate to the VM. The amount depends on the needs of the operating system. Ensure you don’t allocate too much, as it will impact your physical computer's performance.
     • Processor Cores: Assign processor cores to the VM. More cores allow faster processing.

5. Create a Virtual Hard Disk:

   • Create a virtual hard disk. This storage space emulates a physical hard drive for the VM. You have options to dynamically allocate space or choose a fixed size. It’s recommended to select the dynamic option as it consumes space only as needed.

6. Configure VM Settings:

   • Further configure the VM settings. These settings often include:
     • Network: Set up the network type (e.g., NAT, bridged).
     • Optical Drive: Point the optical drive to the ISO file you downloaded in step 1, so that the virtual machine will boot with it.
     • Audio: Configure the virtual audio device if required.
     • USB: Configure how USB devices will connect to your VM

7. Install the Guest OS:

   • Finally, start the virtual machine to install the guest operating system. The process is similar to installing an operating system on a physical machine. The VM will boot from the ISO file and you will be guided through the process of installing the operating system onto the virtual hard disk you created.

Example: Setting up a Linux Virtual Machine

1. Download a Linux ISO: Download the ISO file for a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu.
2. Open VirtualBox: Launch your installed copy of Oracle VirtualBox.
3. New Virtual Machine: Click “New” and give the machine a name like “Ubuntu VM”, select Linux as the type and the Ubuntu 64-bit variant.
4. Allocate Resources: Assign 4GB of RAM and 2 processor cores.
5. Create a Virtual Hard Disk: Create a dynamic VDI disk with a size of at least 25GB.
6. Configure VM: Set the Network to “NAT”, and under “Storage”, select the downloaded ISO file as the optical disk.
7. Install Guest OS: Start the VM. It will boot from the ISO and you can follow the onscreen instructions to install Ubuntu Linux.

By following these steps you'll have a fully functional virtual computer running within your host system, using virtualization software.