VirtualBox for Mac: A Comprehensive Guide to Virtualization

VirtualBox is an open-source virtualization software created by Oracle that allows Mac users to run Windows and other operating systems on a virtual machine. It has become an essential tool for those who need to test apps and configurations or use software designed for Windows. In this article, we will explore the features of VirtualBox for Mac and show you how to get started with virtualization.

What is Virtual Box (Oracle VM VirtualBox)?

VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization platform that allows users to install and run multiple OS on a single host computer. VirtualBox creates a virtual box environment that simulates a complete computer, including its own processor, memory, and storage. Within this virtual box environment, users can install and run a large number of different operating systems and applications, as if they were running a Windows operating system on a physical computer.

Price: It is open-source and free software. ► Run Power BI with VirtualBox? Download it and see if it’s good enough for you.

• Pros: You don’t have to install Windows on your Mac, and virtualization offers a flexible and scalable solution. VirtualBox is also free and open-source, making it an appealing option for those on a tight budget.
• Cons: Setting up and managing virtual machines can be difficult and time-consuming, and some users may experience performance or compatibility issues.

What is VirtualBox Used For?

1. Testing and Development:

VirtualBox is a useful tool for testing applications on different platforms without requiring multiple physical machines. It allows developers to create virtual machines and test their applications without damaging their primary development machine, which saves time and resources while improving application quality.

2. Educational purposes:

In educational environments, VirtualBox can be used to teach students about different applications and platforms. It can create a virtual lab environment where students can practice IT skills without requiring physical hardware, saving educational institutions money and providing a better learning experience.

3. Running legacy software:

Legacy software may not be compatible with modern Windows systems, but VirtualBox offers a practical solution by allowing them to run on VM. VirtualBox can support older operating system versions, enabling the use of outdated applications that are no longer supported by newer guest operating systems. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on crucial older software systems.

4. Cross-platform compatibility:

VirtualBox enables the use and installation of multiple operating systems on a host or single machine, making it easy to make virtual computers run software that is not available on the host or user’s primary operating, oracle another system. For example, a Windows user can create a virtual machine with Linux installed to run Linux-specific software.

5. Cloud computing:

VirtualBox can be used to create and manage VM in the cloud. Cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offer VirtualBox as an option for their cloud computing services. This can save businesses the cost of purchasing and maintaining physical hardware.

How to Install VirtualBox on a Mac

Installing VirtualBox on a Mac is a straightforward installation process. Here are the steps to follow to install Virtualbox:

1. VirtualBox download Mac from the official website: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads.
2. Open the downloaded DMG file.
3. Double-click on the VirtualBox.pkg file to start the installation process.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.

Once VirtualBox is installed, you can launch it from the Applications folder window.

Creating a Virtual Machine

To use and install VirtualBox, you need to create a virtual machine (VM). A VM is a complete computer environment, including its own applications and data storage. Here’s how to create a VM in VirtualBox:

1. Launch VirtualBox from the Applications folder.
2. Click on the “New” button to create a new virtual machine.
3. Follow the wizard to set up the VM, including selecting the operating system, configuring memory and storage, and setting up network connectivity.
4. Once the VM is set up, you can start it by clicking on the “Start” button.

Installing an Operating System

After creating a virtual machine, you need to install an OS on it. You can use a CD or DVD, an ISO image file, or a network installation to install an OS. Here are the steps to install an OS using an ISO image file:

1. Download the ISO image file for the operating system you want to install.
2. In VirtualBox, select the VM you created and click on the “Settings” button.
3. In the Settings window, select the “Storage” tab.
4. Click on the “Empty” CD/DVD drive and then on the “Choose Virtual Optical Disk File” button.
5. Select the ISO image file you downloaded and click on the “Open” button.
6. Start the VM by clicking on the “Start” button.
7. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the operating system.

Configuring Virtual Box

VirtualBox has a range of settings that you can configure to optimize performance and usability. Here are some of the most important settings to consider:

Display Settings

VirtualBox allows you to configure the default display settings of the windows on your virtual machines. You can adjust the window, default screen resolution, colour depth, and other display parameters to match your preferences.

Network Settings

VirtualBox supports a range of networking options for hosts and hosts-only, including NAT, Bridged, and Host-only networking features. You can configure the network settings of your host, user, guest machine and virtual machines to enable them to communicate with each other and with the host computer.

USB Settings

VirtualBox allows you to configure the default USB settings for the installation of devices in your virtual machines. You can enable or disable USB support, and configure the USB device filters to specify which devices should be automatically mounted in the VM.

Shared Folders

VirtualBox allows you to set up shared files and folders between files on your devices and the host

Running Windows 11 Apps With Oracle VM VirtualBox

VirtualBox allows you to run Windows on your PC with Windows Explorer or Mac OS X in fullscreen mode. It has another mode called Seamless, which lets you run one Windows app at a time in a window on the desktop or your MacBook. However, VirtualBox can make life very difficult for you as you try to install Seamless mode for Windows for example for Microsoft Wordpad or any application running only on Windows. However, Windows desktops and windows have an oval shape.

Using Power BI with VirtualBox on Mac

For Mac users who want to use Power BI, VirtualBox can be a helpful tool to boot. Power BI is a data analytics and visualization software developed by Microsoft. It is available for installation on the Windows operating system only systems, but Mac users can use VirtualBox to create a virtual machine with Windows installed, boot it and run Power BI on it.

To use Power BI with VirtualBox on Mac, follow these steps:

1. Install VirtualBox on your Mac using the steps mentioned above.
2. Create a virtual machine with Windows installed on it.
3. Install Power BI on the VM.
4. Once installed, you can use Power BI on the VM as if you were running it on a Windows computer.

VirtualBox can help Mac users overcome compatibility issues with Windows software and access a wider range of applications, including Power BI features. This install virtualbox can be especially useful for businesses that rely on Power BI for data analysis and visualization.

In conclusion, VirtualBox is a versatile tool that can be used for various purposes, including testing and development, educational purposes, running legacy software, cross-platform compatibility, cloud computing, and accessing Windows-based applications like Power BI for Mac users. Its ease of use, cross-platform compatibility, and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice among developers, educators, and businesses. With Virtual Box, Mac users can create a VM with Windows installed on it and run Power BI seamlessly, overcoming compatibility issues and accessing a wider range of applications. This can improve efficiency and productivity while saving time and resources.