Welcome to our step-by-step guide on installing VirtualBox on Ubuntu, complete with the Extension Pack. VirtualBox is a powerful tool that allows you to run multiple virtual machines on your computer, enabling you to test different operating systems, software configurations, and more, all within a virtual environment.
Why Use VirtualBox?
VirtualBox provides a convenient and efficient way to experiment with different operating systems or software setups without the need for separate physical hardware. Whether you're a developer, a sysadmin, or just an enthusiast, VirtualBox offers a flexible solution for virtualization needs.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure that you have:
A computer running Ubuntu Linux.
Administrative privileges to install software.
Stable internet connectivity.
Step 1: Update Your System
Open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T and execute the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
This will ensure that your system is up to date with the latest packages and security patches.
Step 2: Install VirtualBox
To install VirtualBox, run the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt install virtualbox
Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.
Step 3: Download the Extension Pack
Navigate to the VirtualBox downloads page using your web browser. Locate the "VirtualBox Extension Pack" section and download the extension pack that matches your VirtualBox version.
For this guide I have downloaded version 6.1.50 extension pack using below command.
wget https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/6.1.50/Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-6.1.50.vbox-extpack
Step 4: Install the Extension Pack
Once the download is complete, open a terminal and install the extension pack using the following command:
sudo VBoxManage extpack install Oracle_VM_VirtualBox_Extension_Pack-6.1.50.vbox-extpack
Follow the on-screen prompts to accept the license agreement and complete the installation.
Step 5: Verify Installation
To verify that VirtualBox and the Extension Pack were installed successfully, launch VirtualBox from the applications menu or by typing virtualbox in the terminal.
Step 6: Enjoy Virtualization!
With VirtualBox installed and the Extension Pack added, you're now ready to create and manage virtual machines on your Ubuntu system. You can create new virtual machines, import existing ones, and explore a wide range of configurations to suit your needs.
Conclusion
In this guide, we walked through the process of installing VirtualBox on Ubuntu and adding the Extension Pack to enhance its functionality. VirtualBox offers a powerful platform for virtualization, enabling you to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on your computer.
We hope this tutorial has been helpful to you in setting up VirtualBox on your Ubuntu system. Happy virtualizing!