Using VirtualBox to run Linux from within Windows

Making a Virtual Machine - Have you ever contemplated running Linux from within Windows via a simple virtual desktop environment? Here is a nice solution that allows you to do just that. Run a Linux ISO from within your native Windows operating environment. It's called VirtualBox, and it's fast! In the following tutorial, we explain the complete process of installing VirtualBox and running virtual Linux from within Windows.

Basic Essentials:

VirtualBox
A Live Linux ISO (image file)
A Windows based operating environment

Process Prerequisites:

Download VirtualBox from HERE
GRAB your favorite Live Linux ISO
Install VirtualBox (you may encounter a couple of Windows warnings, click "continue anyway") You may be prompted to reboot. If so reboot your PC.

Setting up VirtualBox:

Start VirtualBox: Start-> Programs-> InnoTek VirtualBox-> VirtualBox

From the VirtualBox control applet, click "New" (then click "Next" in the wizard window that pops up)

Now we need to create a virtual machine: Enter a Name you would like to call this virtual machine and select the operating system type from the OS Type dropdown. (example: Linux 2.6) Then click "Next"

On the next page, move the slider to select how much memory you would like to dedicate to this virtual machine. (example: 512MB) Then click "Next"

We can skip the next page (Virtual Hard Disk) by clicking "Next"

On the Summary page, review your settings and click "Finish"

Now select "Start"from the control applet to start your virtual machine

Once started, you should see a virtual machine window. From the navigation menu, select devices-> Mount CD/DVD ROM-> CD/DVD ROM Image

You should now see a virtual disk manager window. Click "Add" and browse to your Linux ISO (image file) then click "Open" to add the ISO

You should now see your ISO listed. Click "Select" from the bottom of the virtual disk manager

From the virtual machine window navigation menu, select the "Reset" option

Virtual machine will attempt to load the Linux ISO that you have selected and if successful, you should now be looking at your own personal Linux desktop from within Windows.