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Asked: 2024-09-24T09:27:12+05:30 In:

What steps should I follow to install VirtualBox via the command line on Ubuntu?

I’ve been diving into virtualization lately, and I keep hearing about VirtualBox being a solid choice for running different operating systems on my Ubuntu machine. So, I decided to give it a shot, but here’s where I’m struggling: I want to install VirtualBox via the command line, and I’m not entirely sure where to start.

I’ve checked out some random guides online, but they all seem to have different steps, and honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Do I need to add any specific repositories before installing it? I’ve seen some people talking about the Oracle repository and adding public keys. Is that mandatory, or can I skip it?

Also, once I get to the actual installation part, am I using something like ‘apt install’ or is there another command that I should know about? I imagine there must be some configurations to tweak after installation. Should I expect to have to set up networking or USB support right away, or can that wait until I’m more comfortable with the software?

And let’s talk about updates. If I install it via the terminal, how do I make sure it stays up to date with the latest version? I’ve gone through my fair share of package management mishaps before, so that’s a little nerve-wracking for me.

I’m really hoping to get some practical, down-to-earth advice from anyone who’s gone through this process. If you could lay out the step-by-step process from scratch, that would be amazing! Any tips for troubleshooting common installation issues would be super helpful too. Not trying to be dramatic, but I just want to ensure I don’t stumble into a mess with this. Looking forward to any insights you can share!

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    2 Answers



    1. Installing VirtualBox on Ubuntu

      How to Install VirtualBox on Ubuntu

      If you’re diving into virtualization and want to install VirtualBox on your Ubuntu machine, I’ve got you covered with some simple steps!

      1. Update Your System

      First things first, it’s a good idea to update your package lists.

      sudo apt update

      2. Add the Oracle Repository

      Yes, adding the Oracle repository is recommended. It contains the latest version of VirtualBox.

      sudo add-apt-repository "deb https://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian $(lsb_release -cs) contrib"

      3. Add Oracle Public Key

      You will also need to add the Oracle public key to authenticate the packages. Don’t skip this!

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

      4. Install VirtualBox

      Now you’re ready to install VirtualBox! You can use the following command:

      sudo apt update
      sudo apt install virtualbox-6.1

      Note: The version number (like 6.1) might change, so make sure to check for the latest version.

      5. Post-Installation Setup

      After installation, you might want to do some initial setups for networking or USB support. But honestly, you can explore those later if you’re still getting comfortable.

      6. Keeping VirtualBox Updated

      To keep VirtualBox updated, just run the usual update command:

      sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

      This will check for updates for all installed packages, including VirtualBox.

      Troubleshooting Tips

      • If installation fails, make sure your system is fully updated.
      • Check for conflicting packages, especially if you have other virtualization software installed.
      • Look at logs if it stays stuck—`/var/log/dpkg.log` might be helpful.

      Don’t worry too much; you got this! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be up and running in no time. Happy virtualizing!




    2. Installing VirtualBox on Ubuntu

      To install VirtualBox on your Ubuntu machine via the command line, you first need to add the Oracle repository, as this ensures you get the latest version of VirtualBox. Begin by opening a terminal and adding the repository key with the command: wget -q https://www.virtualbox.org/download/oracle_vbox_2016.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add -. Next, add the VirtualBox repository to your sources list using: echo "deb http://download.virtualbox.org/virtualbox/debian $(lsb_release -cs) contrib" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/virtualbox.list. Once this is set, update your package list with sudo apt update. You can then install VirtualBox with the command: sudo apt install virtualbox-6.1 (make sure to check for the latest version available).

      After installation, you may want to configure networking and USB support, but you can comfortably do this later as you familiarize yourself with VirtualBox. For updates, simply run sudo apt update followed by sudo apt upgrade regularly. If you encounter issues during installation, make sure your current kernel headers are installed with sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r). Common troubleshooting steps include verifying that the virtualization feature is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings and ensuring that your system meets VirtualBox’s hardware requirements. With these steps, you should have a smooth installation process and feel more confident managing your VirtualBox environment.


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