How to Create Virtual Machine in Linux: Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s world, virtualization is an essential concept, especially when working with Linux systems. Virtual machines (VMs) allow us to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. They are an excellent tool for development, testing, and even system administration. In this article, we will dive into how to create a virtual machine in Linux, discussing the steps, tools, and commands needed to get started. Let's explore the exciting world of Linux virtualization!

What is a Virtual Machine (VM)?

Before we jump into the steps of creating a virtual machine, let's define what a virtual machine is. A virtual machine is a software-based emulation of a physical computer. It runs an operating system (OS) like a regular computer, but instead of using physical hardware, it uses a hypervisor (or virtual machine manager) to manage the virtual environment.

Why Use Virtual Machines in Linux?

There are several reasons why you might want to create a virtual machine in Linux. Some of the benefits include:

• Running multiple operating systems on one machine.
• Testing new software or configurations without affecting your primary system.
• Isolating environments for different tasks (such as development, testing, or production).
• Creating a safe space to run potentially unsafe applications or websites.

Prerequisites for Creating a Virtual Machine in Linux

Before we begin, there are a few prerequisites you should have in place:

• A Linux system (Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, etc.).
• Root or sudo privileges on your system.
• Available system resources such as RAM, CPU, and disk space.
• A virtualization tool (like VirtualBox, KVM, or VMware).

Step 1: Install Virtualization Tools

The first step in creating a virtual machine is installing a virtualization tool. One of the most popular tools on Linux is VirtualBox. Let’s start by installing VirtualBox on Ubuntu. For other distributions, the installation process will vary slightly.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install virtualbox

Once the installation is complete, you can check if it was successful by running:

virtualbox --help

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

Now that you have VirtualBox installed, you can start creating your first virtual machine! Follow these steps:

• Open VirtualBox from the applications menu.
• Click on the "New" button to start creating your VM.
• Give your VM a name and choose the operating system type (e.g., Linux, Windows, etc.).
• Allocate memory (RAM) to the VM. A good rule of thumb is to allocate at least 2GB of RAM for most modern Linux distributions.
• Next, create a virtual hard disk. You can choose between VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image), VHD (Virtual Hard Disk), or VMDK (VMware Disk). For most users, VDI is the best choice.
• Select the size of the virtual hard disk. At least 20GB is recommended for a comfortable Linux installation.

Step 3: Install an Operating System on the Virtual Machine

Now that your virtual machine is created, it’s time to install an operating system (OS). You can use any Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, CentOS, Fedora, or Debian. Here’s how you can do it:

• Click on "Start" in VirtualBox.
• You will be prompted to select a start-up disk. Here, you can choose your Linux ISO file (you can download the ISO file from the official website of your chosen distribution).
• Click "Start" and follow the on-screen instructions to install the OS.

Once the installation is complete, your virtual machine will reboot, and you will have a fully functioning Linux system running inside a VM.

Step 4: Configure Virtual Machine Settings

Now that you have your virtual machine up and running, it’s essential to tweak the settings to suit your needs. You can adjust the following parameters:

• Network: You can set up networking for the VM, whether you want to use NAT (Network Address Translation), bridged networking, or host-only networking.
• Shared Folders: You can create shared folders between the host machine and the VM, allowing you to access files from both systems.
• Display: You can adjust the resolution, enable 3D acceleration, and configure other display-related settings for the virtual machine.

Step 5: Install Guest Additions

VirtualBox offers a feature called "Guest Additions" that enhances the performance and usability of your virtual machine. To install Guest Additions, follow these steps:

• Start your VM and log into the operating system.
• Click on "Devices" in the VirtualBox menu bar and select "Insert Guest Additions CD image."
• Follow the prompts to install the necessary packages. The installation process will vary depending on the Linux distribution you're using.
• Once installed, restart your virtual machine, and you will enjoy features like shared clipboard, better display performance, and seamless mouse integration.

How to Create Virtual Machine in Linux: Other Tools

While VirtualBox is a great option, there are other tools you can use to create virtual machines in Linux:

• KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine): KVM is a Linux kernel module that allows you to run virtual machines. It’s highly integrated into Linux and offers excellent performance.
• VMware: VMware Workstation and VMware Player are also popular choices for virtualization. They offer powerful features, but they are not open-source.
• QEMU: QEMU is another virtualization tool available on Linux. It supports various guest operating systems and is often used in combination with KVM for performance improvements.

Conclusion: Virtual Machines on Linux

Creating virtual machines on Linux is a fantastic way to explore different operating systems, test software, and isolate your tasks. With tools like VirtualBox, KVM, and VMware, you can easily set up VMs and run them on your Linux system. We hope this guide has given you a clear path to create your own virtual machine and start exploring the world of virtualization on Linux!