What are virtual machines and how to use them

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Find out how to run several operating systems on one computer at once and how it can be useful.

What are virtual machines?

This is special software for running the operating system inside the operating system. The second OS is installed on the PC, but works in it like a regular program. Computer in computer, if you like.

Great, but why?

For a wide variety of purposes. Most often, virtual machines are used to run programs that are not supported by the host OS. Less commonly, they are used to test software and operating systems themselves, connect incompatible hardware, and safely launch suspicious applications.

Among ordinary users, the most common scenario is using Windows programs on Mac and Linux.

And how does it all work?

It's simple for the user. The virtual machine works in a separate window like a normal application: you can minimize or, conversely, expand to full screen. In reality, a virtual computer has its own processor, memory, disk, network adapter, and other hardware. All this is emulated by a real PC, which shares its resources with a virtual one.

The guest OS considers non-existent hardware to be real. It is displayed in the system properties, and installed applications interact with it as if it were real. At the same time, the virtual machine itself is completely isolated from the real computer, although it can have access to its disk and peripheral devices.

Wait a minute. So you need a very powerful computer?

Not necessary. It all depends on what you are going to run in the virtual OS. Any computer, even 10 years old, will do. It is important to remember that he will share his resources with the guest operating system, which means that they should be enough for two.

For example, if you are going to install an Ubuntu 18.04 guest OS on a Windows 10 PC, you will need at least 4GB of RAM, a dual-core processor, a compatible video adapter, and free disk space. For complex tasks like playing games or using professional software, there must be a decent margin of performance in order for both systems to work quickly.

Okay, what kind of virtual machines are there?

There are a lot of them, both free and commercial. Apart from the highly specialized systems that developers use for testing, three programs are the most popular.

• is a completely free tool from Oracle with support for many guest operating systems that can be run on Windows, macOS and Linux.
• - advanced virtual machines for all platforms. Allows you to run any OS and support advanced 3D graphics emulation. There are free versions for personal use and commercial versions for corporate use.
• is the best commercial virtualization solution for Mac. Provides high performance and tight integration of the guest operating system with proprietary macOS features.

Where to start and how is it all set up?

First of all, one of the virtual machines is created on the computer. Then the required operating system is installed on it. Further, the necessary programs are installed into the guest OS, after which they can be used.

How do I create a virtual machine?

Everything is extremely simple. Let's use the free VirtualBox machine as an example. The process may be slightly different in other programs, but the overall setup is almost identical.

1. Download the software utility, choosing the version for your OS.
2. Open the installation file and use the wizard's prompts to install VirtualBox.
3. Run the program and click the "Create" button.
4. Specify the name of the virtual machine and the type and version of the OS you plan to install. These parameters can be changed later.
5. Specify how much RAM to allocate. Leave the default volume or set another one within the recommended range.
6. Click "Create a new virtual disk" and specify its format. If you are not going to use this disk with other virtualization software, you need a VDI type.
7. Then select "Fixed virtual hard disk" - it works faster than a dynamic one and takes up a strictly allotted space.
8. Give the disk a name and size. Windows 10 64-bit requires a minimum of 32 GB plus additional space to install the required programs.
9. Ready!

After creating the disk, the virtual machine will appear in the list of available ones. You can run it. Nothing else can be done, since it does not have an operating system.

And how do you install the OS on a virtual computer?

As usual. You will need a system image or installation flash drive. The rest of the procedure is completely similar. For example, let's install Windows 10.

1. disk image from the Microsoft website.
2. Highlight the desired virtual machine in VirtualBox and click Configure.
3. Go to the Media tab and highlight your optical drive.
4. Click on the disk icon and select the Windows 10 image.
5. Click the "Run" button and follow the instructions of the installation wizard.
6. At the end of the process, the virtual machine will reboot and be ready to use.

How to use all this now?

Almost the same as a regular PC. The virtual machine is started using the button of the same name, and it is turned off or rebooted through the system shutdown menu or simply by closing the window. All OS settings and functions work the same as on a real computer.

OK. How do I install the application?

By the same principle as always. Download the installation file, run it and follow the wizard's prompts. After that, open the program through a shortcut, from the toolbar or in another way. In this regard, a virtual machine is no different from a regular PC.

Can I connect a USB flash drive?

Oh sure. You just have to first unmount it from the main system, since the simultaneous use of drives is impossible. This is how it is done.

1. Connect the USB flash drive to your computer.
2. Go to Finder or File Explorer and unmount the drive.
3. Go to the virtual machine and click the USB icon on the bottom panel.
4. Select the desired device from the list.
5. The drive will immediately appear in the system. You can work.

How do I transfer a file from the main OS?

Through the function of shared folders, which allows you to share any folders from the main OS to the guest OS and save you from fiddling with flash drives. Here's how to enable it:

1. Open VirtualBox.
2. Go to the virtual machine settings and switch to the "Shared folders" tab.
3. Click the add icon and specify the path to the desired folder.
4. Check the "Auto connect" checkbox and click OK.
5. After starting the virtual machine, the shared folder will appear in the My Computer menu.