How to install Ubuntu in Windows XP with VirtualBox

This is the english version of the tutorial i made.

Virtualizations wasn't what it is now. With stronger computers and nice Virtualization programs we are able to have more than one OS at the same time. Now, with VirtualBox, we can even have 3D acceleration.



Let's get started:

We are going to install Ubuntu 9.04 as a guest in a Windows Host, then, we are going to optimize it and lastly, to create a shared folder between Windows and Ubuntu.

Download Ubuntu and Virtualbox:

Virtualbox: http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
Ubuntu: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

Install VirtualBox, save Ubuntu ISO.

Creating the Virtual Machine (VM):

Click "new" to start the creation of the VM:


A Wizard is going to appear. Click next:


Create a name for the VM and select the OS type, int his case choose Linux Ubuntu.


Choose the amount of memory, 512 MB is a good start, but be careful no to pick a small amount or a big, or you may make your host or guest run out of memory.


Now we are going to create the virtual Hard Drive:


Choose dynamically expanding storage. This will create a virtual HD wich it's empty spaces won't occupy space in your real HD.


Choose the size. The recommended size is 8 GB:

Create the Virtual Machine:


Prerrequisites for the Linux Installation:

You can mount the ISO you downloaded from the Ubuntu in the virtual machine so it can boot from it. Go to CD/DVD-ROM from the settings menu and click the directory icon:


Click "Add":


Select the ISO:


Now we are going enable 3D acceleration. You may choose the amount of video memory you want:


Instalation of Ubuntu 9.04:

Click "start" to start the VM:


Select "Install Ubuntu":


Select the language and country and in the "Prepare Disk Space" menu click "Use the entire disc" and click next.


Wait while it installs:


Unmount de CD and click restart (You can unmount a CD/DVD by clicking "devices" -> "unmount CD/DVD"):


Post-Installation:

After installing the OS, login:


Now look at your new Linux. To be able to take the mouse pointer out of the VM you have to press the right "Ctrl"


An update manager is going to automatically start and is going to check your software for updates. Click a "Install Updates".


Installation of VirtualBox utilities:

To be able to use the 3D acceleration, optimize the VM and make the mouse pointer share both OSs you need to install theese utilities.

To do this, click "Devices" -> "Install Guest Additions":


Open a terminal and you need to type some shell codes:

"cd /media/cdrom0/": to go to the installation CD.

"sudo chmod -x autorun.sh": To enable the installation executable the permissions to write in the drive.

"sudo ./autorun.sh": To run the installation.

Restart, and you will se the differences.

Finally, add a Shared Folder:

Click the directory at the bottom of VirtualBox, and then click the directory with a plus(+)


Select "Folder Path" -> "other":


Finally, select the folder you want to share. You can choose "Read Only" to make it read only in your Linux system and "Make Permanent" to be able to use it even if you turn off the VM.


Open a terminal and write "mkdir ". In my case the folder i want to share is named "Terminados",so i wrote "mkdir Terminados". Mkdir is a command to create directories.

Type "sudo modprobe vboxvfs" to add VirtualBox modules to the Kernel.

Type "sudo mount.vboxsf Terminados /home//Terminados" to mount the folder in your filesystem (put your name in the space. In my case i had to type /home/jesus/Terminados)

And we are finished, now you can share files between the Host and the Ghest OS:



Well that's it, i hope you enjoyed the tutorial, if you have any question, don't be afraid to ask!
See ya.