VirtualBox allows you to run a simulated computer with a different OS, contained within your own PC
VirtualBox allows you to run a simulated computer with a different OS, contained within your own PC
Popular programs in Operating Systems
What is VirtualBox
VirtualBox is a Windows program that allows the user to run other operating systems in a so-called "virtual machine." This means that the alternate operating system runs like any other program on top of Windows and can still be used with near-full functionality. VirtualBox is used primarily by software developers, tech enthusiasts and people who need to run programs that are incompatible with their version of Windows.
One of the benefits of running programs in VirtualBox is that viruses or poorly programmed software will not affect the base operating system. Some privacy advocates will use VirtualBox to avoid having their location or true identity revealed while browsing the web.
Another common use of VirtualBox is to test, and sometimes use regularly, Linux-based operating systems. VirtualBox will basically "trick" the tested operating system into thinking it is running on a computer rather than inside of a program. This is why it is a virtual box. As long as the computer has enough RAM and processing power, the virtual operating system can often be used as the primary operating system.
Other versions of Windows can sometimes be used with VirtualBox as well if the user owns a proper Windows license that permits it. For programs that only work in a newer or older version of Windows, using VirtualBox to run them is a popular solution. Likewise, if a license is owned, Mac OS X can be used in VirtualBox.
On compatible computers, VirtualBox can utilize most of the computer's hardware power. That is, VirtualBox has the capacity to use the full power of graphics cards, the CPU and other features like built-in webcams. Other virtual machine software often cannot use 64-bit processors, graphics cards or other features of the computer. VirtualBox usually can do this.
Pros:
- Compatibility with most Linux distributions
- Compatible with most versions of Windows and recent versions of Mac OS X
- Can use full hardware power of the host computer
Cons:
- Doesn't quite match dual-booting or hard drive installation
- Some systems do not benefit from ability to use hardware power