Linux

Installing

GNU/Linux in Oracle VM VirtualBox and Essential Tools

Introduction Virtual machines are an excellent way to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. Oracle VM VirtualBox is a well-liked, open-source virtualization software that lets users utilize numerous OS, such as various Linux distributions. As to this tutorial, the author is going to show you how to download and install the GNU/Linux OS on Oracle VM VirtualBox as well as explain some basic tools and commands to a beginner.

Step 1: Download and Install Oracle VM VirtualBox

1. Download VirtualBox: Go to the official website of VirtualBox and download the current version that supports the host operating system whether it is Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux.
2. Install VirtualBox: Execute the installer and perform all the actions indicated in the process to install this software.

Step 2: Download GNU/Linux ISO

1. Download the ISO: To obtain the ISO file one can go to the GNU/Linux official website or other reliable website. This file is the actual operating system you will install on to VirtualBox or the installation image you will use.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox: Start Oracle VM VirtualBox.
2. Create New VM: The creation of a new virtual machine starts with the clicking on the “New” button on your screen.
3. Name: For creating a new machine enter a name of your VM, for example, “ Linux”.
   • Type: Select "Linux". - Version: Select the proper version (e. g. , “ GNU/Linux based on Ubuntu, 64-bit” if GNU/Linux was derived from Ubuntu).
4. Memory Allocation: Provision RAM to your VM. To ensure you optimise on a smooth running of the application, do not assign less than 2 gigabytes of RAM. 4. Create a Virtual Hard Disk: Select “Create a virtual hard disk now” and set the virtual hard disk’s size at least 20 GB.

Step 4: Install GNU/Linux

1. Start the VM: Choose your pick VM and click the “Start” option.

   1. Select ISO: Click OK when you are ready and then you go to the location of the GNU/Linux ISO file you downloaded and choose it.
   2. Follow Installation Steps: Select the appropriate iso file of GNU/Linux and continue following the steps to install the operating system in the created virtual machine. It is a common procedure where you may need to start with partitions, user account and setting of your preferences.

Step 5: Basic Tools and Commands

After you found yourself in GNU/Linux for the first time, following the installation of the distribution, for the purpose of using it as your everyday operating system, you will need to install several crucial tools and, at the same time, familiarize yourself with basic commands.

1. apt:

• Update Package Lists: To check this your system, type in the following command:

 sudo apt update 

• Upgrade Installed Packages: In order to upgrade all the installed packages to their latest version, use:

 sudo apt upgrade 

2. ping:

• Check Network Connectivity: Ping is a command which may be used to check connections in a server. For example:

 ping google. com 

3. ifconfig:

• View Network Configuration: The ifconfig shows Network Configurations and its interfaces.

 sudo ifconfig 

4. top:

• Monitor System Processes: The top command gives the system status of various processes, memory usage and the load on the CPU at any given time.

 top 

5. df:

• Disk Space Usage: To check the amount of disk space currently in use and the amount of space free on each mounted file system, use:

 df -h