Step-by-Step Guide: Installing a Virtual Machine on Linux Ubuntu | Get Started Now!
Are you interested in running a virtual machine on your Linux Ubuntu system? Virtual machines allow you to create and run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, providing a convenient way to test software, experiment with different configurations, or even run legacy applications. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of installing a virtual machine on Linux Ubuntu, so you can get started right away!
1. Update the system
Before we begin, it’s always a good idea to update your system to ensure that you have the latest software and security patches. Open a terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
This will update the package lists and upgrade any installed packages on your system.
2. Install the virtualization software
The next step is to install the virtualization software that will allow you to create and manage virtual machines. In Linux Ubuntu, we will be using QEMU-KVM as the virtualization solution. Open a terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt install qemu-kvm libvirt-daemon-system libvirt-clients bridge-utils virt-manager
This command will install the necessary packages for QEMU-KVM, as well as the Virtual Machine Manager (virt-manager) which provides a graphical interface for managing virtual machines.
3. Add your user to the libvirt and kvm groups
In order to manage virtual machines, your user account needs to be a member of the libvirt and kvm groups. To add your user to these groups, run the following command:
sudo adduser <username> libvirt && sudo adduser <username> kvm
Replace <username> with your actual username. This command will add your user to the libvirt and kvm groups, allowing you to manage virtual machines without needing to use sudo.
4. Restart the system
After adding your user to the libvirt and kvm groups, it’s recommended to restart your system to ensure that the changes take effect. You can restart your system by running the following command:
sudo reboot
Once your system has restarted, you can proceed to the next step.
5. Launch the Virtual Machine Manager
Now that your system is up to date and the virtualization software is installed, you can launch the Virtual Machine Manager. To do this, open the Activities overview by clicking on the Activities button in the top-left corner of the screen or by pressing the Super key (also known as the Windows key). Then, type “Virtual Machine Manager” and click on the icon when it appears.
The Virtual Machine Manager provides a user-friendly interface for creating, managing, and running virtual machines.
6. Click on “File” and then “New Virtual Machine”
Once the Virtual Machine Manager is open, click on the “File” menu at the top-left corner of the window, and then select “New Virtual Machine” from the dropdown menu. This will start the process of creating a new virtual machine.
7. Choose the installation method
In the first step of the virtual machine creation wizard, you will be prompted to choose the installation method for the operating system. You can install the operating system from a local ISO file, a network installation source, or even migrate an existing virtual machine from another host. Select the appropriate option and click “Forward” to proceed.
8. Select the operating system type and version
In the next step, you will need to select the type and version of the operating system that you want to install. The Virtual Machine Manager provides a list of popular operating systems, but you can also manually specify the type and version if it’s not listed. Select the appropriate options and click “Forward” to continue.
9. Allocate the desired amount of RAM and CPU cores
Now it’s time to allocate the amount of RAM and CPU cores that the virtual machine will use. You can adjust these values based on the requirements of the operating system and the applications you plan to run. Keep in mind that allocating too much resources to the virtual machine may impact the performance of your host system. Once you have set the desired values, click “Forward” to proceed.
10. Create a virtual hard disk or select an existing one
In this step, you will need to create a virtual hard disk for the virtual machine or select an existing one if you have already created one. The virtual hard disk will be used to store the operating system and any data associated with the virtual machine. You can specify the size and format of the virtual hard disk, as well as the storage location. Once you have configured the virtual hard disk settings, click “Forward” to continue.
11. Configure the network settings
Next, you will need to configure the network settings for the virtual machine. You can choose between different network modes, such as NAT (Network Address Translation) or bridged networking, depending on your requirements. NAT allows the virtual machine to access the internet through the host system’s network connection, while bridged networking allows the virtual machine to have its own IP address on the network. Select the appropriate network mode and click “Forward” to proceed.
12. Customize any additional settings
In this step, you have the option to customize any additional settings for the virtual machine, such as graphics, sound, USB passthrough, and more. You can enable or disable these features based on your needs. Once you have made the desired changes, click “Forward” to continue.
13. Start the virtual machine
Now that you have completed the virtual machine creation wizard, you are ready to start the virtual machine. Click on the “Finish” button to create the virtual machine and start it. The Virtual Machine Manager will open a new window displaying the virtual machine’s console, allowing you to interact with the virtual machine just like you would with a physical machine.
14. Follow the installation process for the selected operating system
Once the virtual machine is started, you will need to follow the installation process for the selected operating system. This process will vary depending on the operating system, but it typically involves selecting the language, keyboard layout, and disk partitioning options. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
15. Install any necessary guest additions or drivers
After the operating system is installed, it’s recommended to install any necessary guest additions or drivers to improve the performance and functionality of the virtual machine. Guest additions are software packages that provide additional features, such as better graphics and mouse integration, while drivers are specific software components that enable hardware devices to work properly within the virtual machine. Consult the documentation of your virtualization software for instructions on how to install guest additions or drivers.
16. Configure the virtual machine as desired
Once the virtual machine is up and running, you can configure it as desired. This may include installing software, setting up networking, configuring security settings, and more. Treat the virtual machine just like you would a physical machine, and customize it to meet your specific needs.
17. Enjoy using the virtual machine on Linux Ubuntu!
Congratulations! You have successfully installed a virtual machine on Linux Ubuntu. You can now enjoy the benefits of running multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. Use the Virtual Machine Manager to manage and run your virtual machines, and explore the possibilities that virtualization offers.
Virtual machines provide a flexible and convenient way to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. Whether you are a software developer, system administrator, or just a curious user, installing a virtual machine on Linux Ubuntu can open up a world of possibilities. Follow this step-by-step guide to get started now and start exploring the benefits of virtualization!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I run Windows on a virtual machine on Linux Ubuntu?
Yes, you can run Windows on a virtual machine on Linux Ubuntu. Virtualization software like QEMU-KVM allows you to create and run virtual machines with different operating systems, including Windows. Simply follow the steps outlined in this guide to create a virtual machine and install Windows as the guest operating system.
2. How much resources should I allocate to the virtual machine?
The amount of resources you should allocate to the virtual machine depends on the requirements of the operating system and the applications you plan to run. It’s important to strike a balance between allocating enough resources for the virtual machine to run smoothly and leaving enough resources for the host system. Start with a conservative allocation and monitor the performance of both the virtual machine and the host system. You can always adjust the resource allocation later if needed.
3. Can I run multiple virtual machines on Linux Ubuntu?
Yes, you can run multiple virtual machines on Linux Ubuntu. Virtualization software like QEMU-KVM allows you to create and manage multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine. Each virtual machine operates independently and can run its own operating system and applications. The Virtual Machine Manager provides a user-friendly interface for managing multiple virtual machines.
