Software Utilities: How to download and install VirtualBox

Written by Marc Roberge | 20 December 2010

VirtualBox is arguably the best Open Source full featured virtualization software for x86 hardware currently available. It can be installed on Windows, OS X, Linux and Solaris platforms and allows you to install and run any of these as a virtual machine from within your current operating system.

For example, if you are running Windows Vista and would like to install the latest Ubuntu Linux version for testing purposes or for full time use without having to resort to a second computer or dual/multi boot scenario, VirtualBox is the solution you’ve been looking for.

You can set up several virtual machines within VirtualBox and the system is completely modular, which means that if and when you decide you’d like to remove any of the virtual machines you’ve created, you simply uninstall that machine and nary a trace is left on your host PC.

The biggest advantage of VirtualBox is definitely the ability to run any OS from your current PC without having to reboot. You can work on your host OS and one or several virtual machines simultaneously and test files and software across different platforms. Native support for installed drives and ports as well as the ability to share files between host and virtual PCs creates a seamless environment.

Run FreeBSD and Windows 7 from within Mac OS, Windows XP and Mac OS from within Sabayon Linux – the possibilities are nearly endless. I could go on and on about all of the great features and uses for VirtualBox but the only way to truly appreciate what it can do is to install it and see for yourself.