Configuration
In this lesson and its up-coming tutorial, we will show you how to create, edit, and configure a Virtual Machine (VM) using Oracle VirtualBox.
Note: On our Hands-On Tutorial, We will walk-through with you into the Virtual Machine Creation Wizard Step-by-Step until you build your first Virtual Machine.
In this Theoretical part of the lesson, We will show you how can you edit, and configure your VM that you will create within the Technical part.
First, Walk-Through into Oracle VirtualBox Toolbar
Once you open Oracle VirtualBox, you will always see the Toolbar, at the top of the window. Toolbar, provides the essential tools and settings that will be a great help for you during your work on Virtual Machines. The toolbar has some Tabs that are File, Machine, and Help, each tab has its own menu that can help you (We will discuss each in the next section).
Also, some Tools (Icons) exist next to the Tabs that help you to manage VMs, which they are:
- Preferences, that enables you to customize some preferences and settings.
- Import, that makes you import a machine, rather than creating it from scratch.
- Export, that makes you export a machine, rather than creating it from scratch.
- New, to create a new Virtual Machine (VM).
- Add, to add a Virtual Machine (VM).
This is a brief summary of Toolbar components. The Toolbar details will be at the Technical part of this lesson.
A quick overview of each tab menu, as you can see down below:
Preferences>
You can edit some settings regarding shortcuts on the Virtual Machine (VM), and VirtualBox Manager, select your preferred language, Display configurations, customize your Network, and adding the Extension Package from Extensions tab where you have installed in the previous lesson. Finally, You can edit proxy configurations.
Example>
We have created a sample machine to show you the Virtual Machine Settings.
Virtual Machine Preferences
General>
You can specify the Virtual Machine name, OS type, and version. Also, having the ability to specify the shared folder and Accessibility features (Drag-and-Drop, Shared Clipboard). You can add Description to the Virtual Machine, and do Disk Encryption.
System>
You can specify the amount of RAM to allocate for the Virtual Machine (VM), along with ordering the boot sequence to tell the VM where to boot (Various Options). Also, You have advanced options regarding Motherboard that some OS needs to be enabled. In addition to that, You can also Specify the Number of processors for VM with advanced CPU options that may be required for heavy-duty work. Finally, You can have more sophisticated options under the Accelratio tab that could be required for complex virtualization environments.
Display>
You can configure some Display options and enable 2D, and 3D for some OS. Also, You can configure some advanced settings for recording and remote display.
Storage>
You can configure the storage options of the Virtual Machine (VM), by specifying the OS (image) location and to create a virtual hard disk, if you need any.
Audio>
You can configure Audio options and directions for the Virtual Machine (VM).
Network>
You can edit and configure different types of virtual Network Adapters with various modes, to simulate the real environment complex and compound scenarios.
Serial Ports and USB>
You can configure these peripherals configurations to customize your needs whatever it is.
Shared Folders>
You can create a synchronized shared folder between the physical OS and Virtual Machine (VM).
User Interface>
You can configure the User Interface (Personal Preferences) to adjust it according to your view.
Summary of the Created Virtual Machine>
You will have a summary of the Virtual Machine (VM) with its hardware settings.
We have shown you in both parts (Theoretical, and Up-coming Technical), how to create, edit, and configure your VM in order to customize it to meet your needs whatever it is using Oracle VirtualBox. Refer to this guidance manual and the Hands-On tutorial for Step-by-Step revision.
See you in the Next-Course.