Virtual Machines
user@linux:~$ VBoxManage list vms
Why a Virtual Machine?
Virtual machines provide a great way to test an operating system, as well as run an operating system alongside your current operating system.
How Does Linux Work with a Virtual Machine?
After downloading a Linux .iso file, you are able to add it to the virtual CD drive to install linux as if it were native hardware.
What are the Upsides?
- Using import tools require no manual configuration
- Have two operating systems available at once
- Easily build and rebuild virtual machines on the fly
What are the Downsides?
- Virtual machines require high performance systems to fully utilize its power
- Virtual machines often struggle to add graphics cards, requiring your processor to display graphics
- Using a virtual machine next to your primary operating system can be cumbersome
How do I get started?
Install a virtual machine just as any other application
graph LR;
A[Computer Hardware] --> B[Host OS]
B --> C[VM Application]
C --> D[Guest OS]