Installing Linux VM

Beginner Linux Server
VirtualBoxVMwareISOinstaller

Objective

Install a Linux distribution (Ubuntu Server / Debian) inside a virtual machine, configure basic settings, and prepare it for server use.

Tools & Technologies

  • VirtualBox
  • VMware
  • ISO
  • installer

Key Commands

vboxmanage createvm --name 'UbuntuServer'
mount ISO in VM settings
systemctl set-default multi-user.target
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Architecture Overview

flowchart TD A[Download ISO] --> B[Create VM\nRAM: 2GB+ Disk: 20GB+] B --> C[Attach ISO\nas boot device] C --> D[Boot VM\nfrom ISO] D --> E[Run installer\nPartition disk] E --> F[Set hostname\nCreate user] F --> G[Install bootloader\nGRUB to disk] G --> H[Reboot\nRemove ISO] H --> I[Post-install\nconfiguration] style A fill:#1a1a2e,stroke:#00d4ff,color:#e0e0e0 style I fill:#1a1a2e,stroke:#00ff88,color:#e0e0e0

Step-by-Step Process

01
Create the Virtual Machine

Open VirtualBox/VMware and create a new VM with at least 2GB RAM, 2 CPU cores, and 20GB disk.

# VirtualBox CLI alternative
vboxmanage createvm --name 'LabServer' --ostype Ubuntu_64 --register
vboxmanage modifyvm 'LabServer' --memory 2048 --cpus 2
vboxmanage createhd --filename ~/VMs/LabServer.vdi --size 20480
vboxmanage storagectl 'LabServer' --name SATA --add sata
vboxmanage storageattach 'LabServer' --storagectl SATA --port 0 --device 0 --type hdd --medium ~/VMs/LabServer.vdi
02
Run the Installer

Boot from the ISO, select language/region, partition the disk (LVM recommended), and create the initial user.

# During installation choose:
# - Language: English
# - Keyboard: your layout
# - Partitioning: Guided LVM (entire disk)
# - Hostname: labserver01
# - Username: your username
# - Software: OpenSSH Server (check this!)
03
Post-Installation Steps

Update the system, verify SSH is running, and configure the network.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo systemctl status ssh
hostname && uname -r
ip addr show

# Disable root login over SSH
sudo sed -i 's/PermitRootLogin yes/PermitRootLogin no/' /etc/ssh/sshd_config
sudo systemctl restart ssh
04
Install Guest Additions (VirtualBox)

Guest additions improve performance and enable shared folders, clipboard, and dynamic screen resize.

sudo apt install -y dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r) build-essential
# In VirtualBox menu: Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD
sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt
sudo /mnt/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
sudo reboot

Challenges & Solutions

  • VM hangs on boot — check if virtualization (VT-x/AMD-V) is enabled in BIOS
  • Installer fails to detect disk — check storage controller type (SATA vs NVMe)

Key Takeaways

  • LVM during installation enables easy disk expansion later
  • Enable SSH during install — saves time configuring it post-install