How to Install VirtualBox on Apple Mac
Introduction:-VirtualBox is a different virtualization program that is accessible for Apple Macs that allows us to run various operating systems concurrently on the device. This software enables IT experts to test their code in various scenarios and explore various environments. The environment offered by VirtualBox is excellent for meeting user needs. The operating systems Windows, Linux, and Solaris that Oracle Corp. released in 2007 are supported and functional with VirtualBox.
Install VirtualBox on Apple Mac
The first step is to download VirtualBox.
Start by going to the Downloads section of the VirtualBox official website. Make sure, to download the macOS-compatible version. Once downloaded, look for the installer file in the Downloads folder (for example, VirtualBox-6.1.26-145957-OSX.dmg).
The second step is to Install VirtualBox
To mount the VirtualBox disc image, double-click the installer package. The VirtualBox icon and an installation package file (like VirtualBox.pkg) will show up in a new Finder window. To begin installing the package, double-click on the file.
The VirtualBox installer's on-screen instructions should be followed. To approve the installation, might need to enter the administrator password. Click "Install" to continue after reviewing the installation parameters. Click "Close" to close the installer after the installation is finished.
The third step is to Grant System Permissions
We can get a security prompt after installation saying that the system extension was prohibited. Open Mac's "Security & Privacy" settings to grant the required permissions. Click the "Allow" button next to the notice that says "Blocked system software" on the "General" tab of the window.
If the "Allow" option isn't working, try clicking it once more after clicking the lock symbol in the bottom-left corner of the window and entering the administrator password. To ensure that VirtualBox on Mac runs properly, you must complete this step.
The fourth step is to set up VirtualBox
Launch VirtualBox from the Applications folder or a Spotlight search after the installation is finished. A warning that the "VirtualBox" application cannot be accessed because it is from an unnamed developer may appear when it initially launches. Right-click the VirtualBox icon and choose "Open" from the contextual menu to continue. To confirm, click "Open" once more in the dialogue window.
The fifth step is to Create a Virtual Machine
Now click "New" in the toolbar to create a virtual machine and select "Machine" -> "New". It'll display a wizard that will guide us to complete the setup. After that, define the name of the virtual machine and then specify the type of OS, the version which we want to install, and allocate appropriate memory (RAM).
Select the "Create a virtual hard disc now" option to proceed & create a virtual hard drive. Also, specify the disc file type and size. Depending on organization requirements, choose between dynamically allocated or fixed-size storage.
The Sixth step is to Install an operating system
Once your virtual machine is created, it's time to install an operating system. After choosing the virtual machine in the left pane, click the "Start" button in the toolbar. In the dialogue box that follows, locate the installation media (such as an ISO file) for the operating system you want to install. Click "Start" to launch the virtual computer.
Within the virtual machine window, adhere to the regular installation procedures for the selected operating system. Keep in mind to use your mouse and keyboard to interact with the virtual machine just like you would with a real one.
The seventh step is to Integrate virtual machines
Installing the VirtualBox Guest Additions is advantageous after installing your operating system. The integration between the host operating system (your Mac) and the virtual machine's guest operating system is improved by this package.
Select "Insert Guest Additions CD image" from the "Devices" option at the top of the VirtualBox window while the virtual machine is operating. Within the guest operating system, the installation program will launch automatically. To finish the installation, adhere to the on-screen directions.
Advantages of using VirtualBox on Apple Mac:-
Resource Optimization: In VirtualBox, we have the option to control or specify resources like CPU, memory, and storage allocation to a virtual machine which optimizes the performance of the system and increases the productivity of the system.
Capture Snapshots: VirtualBox also provides features to take snapshots at any stage which makes it easy to recover the system to a previous state in case of any issue.
Multi-OS Environment: Using VirtualBox, we can create, configure & run multiple VMs with different OS on a system without interfering with other VMs. Even we can include each VM (-Virtual Machine) on DC (-Domain Controller).
Seamless Integration: Integration between the host machine (Mac) and guest (virtual machine) operating systems are really smooth and seamless. There is a lot of features available for us like drag-and-drop feature, smooth data transfer, shared folders, clipboard sharing, etc.
Disadvantages of using VirtualBox on Apple Mac:-
Performance Overhead: To run VMs on the system, requires more resources on the system because we need to assign part of resources to each VM. It means, more VMs require more resources in the system.
Compatibility Limitations: We may face compatibility issues with a few hardware components. For example, graphics-intensive applications. Before proceeding, need to validate the compatibility of applications.
Usages of VirtualBox on Apple Mac:-
Software Development: Software developers require different environments to check & validate the behavior of their code. This is possible with Virtualization & to avail of this, we require Virtualization software like VirtualBox. Using this, we can validate our code in different environments, set configurations as per requirement, check the compatibility of applications or code in different environments, etc.
System Administration: Administrators generally require a test environment to test new features of applications, and databases without affecting the production or DEV or UAT environment. Even we can use VirtualBox to build a new server for POC and perform POC-related validation and prepare a baseline. Such an environment provides great flexibility to change configurations at any time, change/reset network settings, add more resources to the VM, etc.
Training and Learning: Using VirtualBox, we can create a test lab for our training and learning purposes.
Benefits of VirtualBox on Apple Mac:-
Scalability: When we use VirtualBox, we can create, modify and delete any VM. It also provides a lot of features to manage multiple VMs. When we require additional resources, we can scale up our infrastructure as per requirement.
Cost-Effective: VirtualBox is an open-source and free tool that is available for users.
Easy Management: Few features of VirtualBox are easy-to-operate interfaces and a lot of management features that help us to manage VMs properly.
A few important properties & settings in VirtualBox:-
Graphics: We can modify the screen resolution, graphics RAM, and 3D acceleration using VirtualBox's display options. These parameters can be changed to improve the visual experience inside virtual computers.
Storage: Several virtual hard disc types, including dynamically allocated and fixed-size discs, are supported by VirtualBox. To meet our needs, we can change the storage options' size, location, and controller type.
USB: We can enable sound on virtual machines by modifying the audio settings. Additionally, it supports USB, allowing USB connections to virtual PCs.
Networking: VirtualBox has NAT, bridged networking, and host-only networking, among other networking features. These configurations enable communication between virtual machines and the host system as well as other networked devices.
Summary
Installing VirtualBox on Apple Mac provides a flexible and effective virtualization platform, opening up a world of possibilities. In this post, we covered VirtualBox's benefits, characteristics, and configuration options as well as its drawbacks. We also covered the different ways it can be used. You may create virtual computers, test software, and explore several operating systems on your Mac with ease by following the step-by-step installation process. Take advantage of VirtualBox's strengths to improve your development, testing, and learning processes.
FAQs
Q: Can I install VirtualBox on my Apple Mac?
A: Yes, we can install VirtualBox on an Apple Mac machine.
Q: Where can I download VirtualBox for Mac?
A: We can download VirtualBox for Mac from the VirtualBox official website.
Q: Is VirtualBox free to use on Mac?
A: Yes, VirtualBox is free of cost & open-source virtualization software.
Q: What are the system requirements for VirtualBox on Mac?
A: Below are the system requirements for VirtualBox on a Mac machine:
a) An Intel-based Mac system
b) The macOS 10.14 or later
c) 2GB RAM (At least)
d) Sufficient disk space for a virtual machine, OS, and related applications.
Q: How do I install VirtualBox on my Mac?
A: Refer above article.
Q: Can I run multiple operating systems simultaneously using VirtualBox on Mac?
A: Yes, VirtualBox software helps to create, modify, delete, and run one or more than one virtual machines on a single system, each VM will run with a different operating system, simultaneously on the Mac machine without impacting any other Virtual Machines.
Q: What are the advantages of using VirtualBox on a Mac?
A: Refer above article.
Q: Are there any disadvantages to using VirtualBox on a Mac?
A: Refer above article.
Q: Can I share files between my Mac and virtual machines running in VirtualBox?
A: Yes, we can share files between Mac and virtual machines without any issues. We can transfer files also.
Q: How can I configure networking in VirtualBox on Mac?
A: NAT, bridged networking, and host-only networking are among the networking options offered by VirtualBox. To enable communication between the host system and virtual machines, networking configurations can be made through the VirtualBox interface. We can choose the networking-related options as per our requirements.
Q: What benefits does VirtualBox offer on Mac?
A: Refer above article.
Q: How can I change the storage options in VirtualBox on a Mac?
A: Yes, you may customize storage options in VirtualBox, including selecting the kind of disc (dynamic or fixed-size) and modifying the size and location to suit your needs.
Q: Does VirtualBox for Mac allow for the use of USB devices?
A: You can connect and use USB devices inside your virtual computers using VirtualBox for Mac, which supports this feature.
Q: Can I use VirtualBox to run virtual machines on my Mac in full-screen mode?
A: more immersive experience is made possible by running virtual machines in full-screen mode with VirtualBox.
Q: How do I get VirtualBox off of my Mac?
A: Locate the VirtualBox application in the Applications folder on your Mac, then right-click on it and choose "Move to Trash.".
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