Do You Need To Run A Virtual Machine On Your Computer? Consider Using Virtual Box

Some people have a need to use a virtual machine on the computer. This means that you are running an operating system within the one that you are already using. The most common example of this is using the Mac operating system and needing to install Windows inside of it to use certain applications. With a free program like Virtual Box this is possible.

Do a search online for Virtual Box and download the software. There are two versions to be aware of. The first has USB support and the other does not. Don't get the OSE version is you need to use USB support. The reason for two versions is that one is proprietary while the other is not. If not concerned with that terminology, get whatever edition you want.

When you start the program, you have to set up a new machine. This is artificial or virtual. It's just going to be using parts of your resources that your computer already has. The program is simple to use.

Click "New" to start a new virtual machine. You will go through a series of steps where you will be setting everything up. You will be asked what type of operating system you are going to install first.

You then will select options about how much RAM you want this machine to use. Typically, you shouldn't use more than half of what your system has and it should more than meet the requirements for the operating system you are loading. You have an option for video memory as well. This doesn't matter that much since most 3D support in Virtual Box doesn't really work that well anyway.

A virtual hard drive will be set up as well. Make a dynamic drive. This will expand as you put more files into it and is not a fixed drive that permanently blocks out the space.

Once this is set up, you can essentially use this like you would a normal computer. You need to put a CD ROM in the tray and install the operating system of choice. If installing Windows, this simply means having your Windows install disks in place so that you can get everything installed. At this point in time, follow the prompts just like you would when installing everything on a brand new machine.