Lab 03: Create and Configure a Virtual Machine Using VirtualBox¶

Introduction to VirtualBox¶

Oracle VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software that allows you to run multiple operating systems on your computer. Instead of using multiple physical machines, VirtualBox lets you create Virtual Machines (VMs) — software-based computers that run like real ones. It is widely used for testing, learning, and development because it is lightweight and easy to use.

Step 1: Downloading and Installing VirtualBox¶

Open a web browser and go to the official VirtualBox download page:
👉 https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
Download the latest stable version for Windows hosts.
Once the installer is downloaded, double-click the file to begin installation.
Installation steps:
- Click Next through the setup wizard.
- Keep the default options.
- Allow installation of network adapters when prompted.
- Click Install and wait for the process to finish.
After installation, launch VirtualBox from the Start Menu.

Step 2: Downloading a Lightweight Linux OS¶

For this lab, we will use Lubuntu — a lightweight, beginner-friendly Linux distribution.

Go to the official Lubuntu downloads page:
👉 https://lubuntu.me/downloads/
Download the latest LTS ISO (as of September 2025: Lubuntu 24.04 LTS).
Optional: Verify the download integrity by checking the checksum provided on the website.

Step 3: Navigating VirtualBox Interface¶

When you open VirtualBox, you will see: - Toolbar: Create, Start, Settings, and other VM management options. - Main Window: List of all created VMs. - Details Panel: Shows the configuration of the selected VM.

Step 4: Creating a New Virtual Machine¶

Click New in VirtualBox.
Enter the following details:
- Name: Lubuntu_VM
- Type: Linux
- Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)
Assign hardware resources:
- RAM: 2048 MB (2 GB)
- CPU: 2 processors
Create a virtual hard disk:
- Select VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)
- Choose Dynamically allocated
- Set size to 20 GB
Attach the downloaded Lubuntu ISO:
- Go to Settings → Storage
- Under Controller: IDE, click the Empty disk icon
- Choose Optical Disk → Select a disk file
- Browse and select the downloaded lubuntu-24.04.iso

Step 5: Deploying the ISO and Installing Linux¶

Start the VM.
The Lubuntu installer will appear.
Follow these beginner-friendly steps:
- Select Language: English (default)
- Choose Install Lubuntu
- Select Erase disk and install (safe inside VM)
- Set a username and password
- Continue installation until finished
- Restart the VM and log in to your new Linux desktop.

Step 6: Networking Configuration¶

VirtualBox provides different networking modes:

NAT: Default; allows internet but VM is hidden from local network.
Bridged Adapter: VM appears as another device on the same network (recommended).
Host-Only: VM communicates only with host.
Internal: VM communicates only with other VMs.
NAT Network: Like NAT, but supports multiple VMs.

👉 For this lab, select Bridged Adapter:

Go to Settings → Network
Change Attached to: Bridged Adapter
Select your active network adapter (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

Step 7: Accessing the VM¶

Logging in¶

Use the credentials you created during installation.
You can interact with the desktop interface.

Terminal Access from Windows 11¶

Find the VM’s IP address:
```
ip addr
```
Look for an entry like 192.168.x.x
Using Windows Terminal:
```
ssh username@192.168.x.x
```

If SSH is not installed, run inside the VM:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install openssh-server

Using PuTTY (optional):
- Download PuTTY from: https://www.putty.org/
- Enter the VM’s IP address in PuTTY.
- Login with your username and password.

Troubleshooting Tips¶

Black screen at boot: Ensure virtualization is enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
No internet: Switch between NAT and Bridged mode.
Cannot SSH: Check if OpenSSH is installed and running with:
```
sudo systemctl status ssh
```
Slow performance: Increase RAM/CPU allocation in VirtualBox settings.

✅ You have successfully created and configured a Virtual Machine using VirtualBox!