How to install VirtualBox 6.0 on Ubuntu 18.04

Introduction to Virtualization

Virtualization technology has become increasingly vital for developers, system administrators, and IT professionals, particularly as it allows for the creation and management of virtual machines. One popular software application that facilitates this process is VirtualBox. Developed by Oracle, VirtualBox is an open-source hypervisor for x86 virtualization. This software enables you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, making it easier for users to test applications, run old software, or manage different environments seamlessly.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing VirtualBox 6.0 on Ubuntu 18.04. We’ll cover everything from prerequisites and the installation process to post-installation configurations and troubleshooting common issues.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, ensure that your system meets the following requirements:

1. Operating System: Ubuntu 18.04 (Bionic Beaver) should be installed and properly updated. Always make sure you’re using the latest package updates.
2. Hardware Virtualization: Ensure that your CPU supports hardware virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) and that it is enabled in your system’s BIOS or UEFI settings.
3. Sufficient Disk Space: Virtual machines can be resource-intensive. Ensure you have adequate disk space, ideally several gigabytes available for each virtual machine.
4. Administrative Privileges: You will need administrative access to install VirtualBox and make changes to your system.

Updating Your System

Before installing any new software, it’s always a good practice to ensure that your operating system is up to date. Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T, and run the following commands:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This will fetch the latest package lists and upgrade any out-of-date packages you may have, ensuring that your fresh installation of VirtualBox is built upon the most reliable foundation.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Add the VirtualBox Repository

Oracle doesn’t package VirtualBox directly with Ubuntu’s repositories. Instead, you’ll need to add the Oracle VirtualBox repository to your system manually. Start by running these commands in your terminal:

bash
echo “deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian bionic contrib” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/virtualbox.list

Step 2: Import the Oracle Public Key

Now that you’ve added the repository, it’s crucial to trust its packages by importing Oracle’s public key. This ensures that the packages are legitimate and untampered with. Run the following command:

bash
wget -q https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox_2016.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add –

Step 3: Update the Package List

After adding the new repository and importing the key, you need to update your package index again, allowing your system to fetch the latest VirtualBox metadata.

bash
sudo apt update

Step 4: Install VirtualBox 6.0

With the necessary preparations complete, you can now install VirtualBox. Simply execute the command below:

bash
sudo apt install virtualbox-6.0

This command will download and install the VirtualBox package along with all required dependencies.

Step 5: Verify Installation

After VirtualBox has been installed, it’s a good idea to verify the installation to ensure everything is working correctly. You can do this by checking the installed version:

bash
virtualbox –version

If the command returns the installed version number (e.g., 6.0.x), you’ve successfully installed VirtualBox.

Installing VirtualBox Extension Pack

While VirtualBox can function well with just the base installation, the Extension Pack enhances its capabilities. It provides additional features such as support for USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 devices, VirtualBox RDP, disk encryption, and much more. To install it, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the Extension Pack

Go to the official VirtualBox downloads page (link) and find the Extension Pack corresponding to your installed version (6.0). Download the .vbox-extpack file to your system.

Step 2: Install the Extension Pack

Once downloaded, you can install the Extension Pack through the VirtualBox UI. Open VirtualBox and go to File > Preferences > Extensions, then click the “+” icon to add the Extension Pack. Locate the file you just downloaded, select it, and click “Install.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Post-Installation Configuration

Setting Up Virtual Machines

With VirtualBox now installed and configured, creating your first virtual machine (VM) is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Open VirtualBox.
2. Click on the “New” button to start the VM creation wizard.
3. Choose the operating system you wish to install, name your VM, and allocate memory.
4. Create a virtual hard disk, choosing the size and format according to your requirements.
5. Follow the wizard prompts to finish setting up your VM.

Enhancing Performance

To ensure optimal performance of your virtual machines, consider adjusting some settings:

• Allocate Adequate RAM: Make sure to allocate enough RAM for the guest OS, but leave enough for the host Ubuntu system to function seamlessly.
• Enable 3D Acceleration: This can enhance graphics performance, essential for running graphically intensive applications on your VM.
• Adjust Processor Settings: If your hardware supports it, you can assign multiple CPUs to your VM, allowing it to take advantage of multi-threading.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Error: Kernel Driver Not Installed (rc=-1908)

This error often occurs when the necessary kernel module is not loaded. To fix this, run:

bash
sudo /sbin/vboxconfig

This command recompiles and installs the kernel modules.

Not Detecting USB Devices

If the USB devices are not being detected in your VM, ensure that:

1. The Extension Pack is installed.
2. The specific user is added to the vboxusers group:

bash
sudo usermod -aG vboxusers $USER

Log out or reboot to apply the changes.

Unable to Start VM

If a virtual machine won’t start, ensure the following:

• The VM has had enough resources allocated.
• You are not trying to run multiple VMs that exceed your hardware capability.
• Check the VirtualBox logs located in the VM’s folder for more details on the error.

Conclusion

Installing VirtualBox 6.0 on Ubuntu 18.04 is a straightforward process. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can set up a powerful virtualization tool that opens up a plethora of possibilities for software testing, development, and education. Feel free to explore VirtualBox’s extensive features and capabilities, and don’t hesitate to consult the extensive documentation available online in case you need further assistance.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I run VirtualBox on other Linux distributions?
Yes, VirtualBox can be installed on various Linux distributions including Fedora, CentOS, and Arch Linux. The installation process might vary slightly depending on the distribution.

Q2: Is VirtualBox free to use?
Yes, VirtualBox is open-source software released under the GNU General Public License. However, certain features in the Extension Pack require adherence to its own license agreement.

Q3: How do I uninstall VirtualBox?
To uninstall VirtualBox and its associated packages, you can run:
bash
sudo apt remove virtualbox-6.0

To also remove configuration files, use:
bash
sudo apt purge virtualbox-6.0

Q4: Can VirtualBox run on Windows or macOS?
Yes, VirtualBox is cross-platform software and can be installed on Windows and macOS systems as well.

Q5: What is the advantage of using VirtualBox over other virtual machine software?
VirtualBox is free, feature-rich, and has robust community support. Additionally, its cross-platform capabilities and frequent updates make it a popular choice among users.

By understanding these concepts and following the guidelines provided, you can unlock the full potential of VirtualBox and take your virtualization experience to the next level. Happy virtualizing!