As a longtime user of Linux, I’ve reached the point where I can practically install the operating system in my sleep.
OK, not literally, because, well… that would be impossible. But you know what I mean.
Shall I continue?
I know many people who would love to try Linux but won’t because they either don’t have a spare computer or are afraid the installation will be too difficult. Allow me to allay those fears. First, a Linux installation doesn’t require a spare machine. Second, Linux (especially a distro like Ubuntu) has become so easy to install that just about anyone can do it.
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However, if you’re still unsure, I want to show you a way to test Ubuntu Desktop that is so easy that you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it before.
Are you ready for this?
It’s all about VirtualBox.
What is VirtualBox?
VirtualBox is an application that allows you to install “guest” operating systems on your “host.” The host is the operating system on which you’ve installed VirtualBox, and the guest OS is the operating system that is installed as a virtual machine. The guest does not interfere with the host, so even if something goes wrong with the guest, it won’t affect the host.
VirtualBox is free and can be installed on Linux, MacOS, and Windows. The installation of VirtualBox is as simple as downloading the installer for your OS and running it. You can find VirtualBox package for your platform on this download page. On Linux, you can install VirtualBox from your distribution’s standard repositories.
If you can install an app, you can install VirtualBox.
The easy way of installing Ubuntu
What you’ll need: The only things you’ll need are VirtualBox installed and a downloaded ISO of Ubuntu Desktop.
It’s time for me to demonstrate just how easy it is to install Ubuntu Desktop with VirtualBox. With the help of Unattended Installation, it’s pretty much a setup-and-go affair. Let me show you what I mean.
The first thing to do is add the new virtual machine. To do this, open VirtualBox and New.
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In the resulting pop-up, you need to first configure the following sections:
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- Name and operating system: This is where you’ll give the guest a name and locate the ISO you downloaded (via the ISO image drop-down). In the case of Ubuntu, when you select the downloaded ISO image, all the other fields in this section will auto-populate.
- Hardware: Configure the guest with at least 3GB of base memory and two processors.
- Hard disk: Drag the hard disk size handle until it’s at least 20 GB. I typically go for 100 GB because I know I’ll delete the virtual machine to reclaim hard disk space.
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This is the feature that makes installing Ubuntu so easy on VirtualBox. Expand the Unattended Install section. In this section, fill out the necessary information. You can add your username, set a password, and customize the hostname and domain name. You can name the hostname anything you like (such as ubuntu). You don’t have to customize the domain name. When you’re done, click Finish.
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This is where you configure the installation, so it can run without interaction.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
After clicking Finish, the new virtual machine will start and – get this – automatically install the OS with the details you’ve supplied. (You can watch it happen or step away until it’s done.) When the installation finishes, you’ll be prompted to restart.
The Ubuntu installation has finished without you doing anything during the process.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Once the virtual machine has restarted, you’ll be presented with the login window, where you can log in with the account you created in the Unattended Installation section.
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How simple is that?
One thing to keep in mind is that not every Linux distribution supports VirtualBox Unattended Installations. If you go to install an OS and the Unattended Installation section is grayed out, unfortunately, you’ll have to run the install manually.
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