Virtual machines are a great way to run multiple operating systems on a single computer. It's particularly useful for developers and system administrators who need to test their software on different platforms. Linux users have a range of virtual machines to choose from, but which one is the best for them? In this article, we'll explore the top virtual machines for Linux and help you choose the right one for your needs.
VirtualBox
VirtualBox is a free, open-source virtual machine software that runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris. It's popular among developers and system administrators because of its flexibility and ease of use. VirtualBox supports a wide range of guest operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, and more. It also has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create and manage virtual machines.
To install VirtualBox on Linux, follow these steps:
Open a terminal window
Add the VirtualBox repository to your system using the following command: sudo add-apt-repository "deb [arch=amd64] https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian $(lsb_release -cs) contrib"
Download and install the VirtualBox package using the following command: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install virtualbox-6.1
VMware Workstation Player
VMware Workstation Player is a free virtual machine software that runs on Windows and Linux. It's easy to install and use, and it's a popular choice among developers and system administrators. VMware Workstation Player supports a wide range of guest operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS.
To install VMware Workstation Player on Linux, follow these steps:
Download the VMware Workstation Player package from the VMware website.
Open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the package.
Make the package executable using the following command: chmod +x <package name>
Run the installer using the following command: sudo ./<package name>
KVM
KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is a virtualization solution for Linux. It's included in the Linux kernel, so you don't need to install any additional software to use it. KVM supports a wide range of guest operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS.
To use KVM on Linux, follow these steps:
- Check if your system supports KVM using the following command: grep -E 'vmx|svm' /proc/cpuinfo
- Install the KVM packages using the following command: sudo apt-get install qemu-kvm libvirt-daemon-system libvirt-clients bridge-utils
- Add your user account to the libvirt group using the following command: sudo usermod -aG libvirt $(whoami)
- Log out and log back in for the changes to take effect.
So, VirtualBox, VMware Workstation Player, and KVM are all excellent virtual machine options for Linux users. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and the right one for you will depend on your specific needs. VirtualBox is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface, while VMware Workstation Player is more powerful and supports more guest operating systems. KVM is included in the Linux kernel, so you don't need to install any additional software to use it. Try them all out and see which one works best for you.
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