VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software developed by Oracle. It allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. Here are some key features and aspects of VirtualBox:
Cross-Platform: VirtualBox is available for multiple host operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris. This makes it a versatile choice for users with different computer setups.
Guest OS Support: VirtualBox supports a wide range of guest operating systems, including various versions of Windows, Linux distributions, macOS, Solaris, and more. This flexibility makes it suitable for various testing and development scenarios.
Hardware Virtualization: VirtualBox supports hardware virtualization technologies such as Intel VT-x and AMD-V, which allows for better performance and resource utilization when running virtual machines.
Snapshots: VirtualBox allows users to take snapshots of virtual machines at different points in time. Snapshots capture the current state of the virtual machine, making it easy to roll back to a previous state if needed.
Virtual Networking: VirtualBox provides various networking options, allowing users to configure virtual networks and simulate different network environments for testing purposes.
USB Support: VirtualBox allows users to connect USB devices to virtual machines, enabling the use of peripherals like external drives, printers, and more within the virtual environment.
Guest Additions: Guest Additions are additional software packages that can be installed in the guest operating system to improve integration with the host system. This includes features such as better mouse integration, display resolutions, and folder sharing.
Portability: VirtualBox VMs are stored in a standardized format, making it relatively easy to move virtual machines between different host systems that have VirtualBox installed.
Command-Line Interface: While VirtualBox provides a graphical user interface for managing virtual machines, it also offers a command-line interface (VBoxManage) for more advanced users who prefer command-line interaction.
Community and Documentation: VirtualBox has an active community, and there is extensive documentation available online, including user manuals, forums, and wikis.
Open Source: VirtualBox is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), making it free to use and open to community contributions and modifications.
Overall, VirtualBox is a powerful and popular choice for users who need to run multiple operating systems on a single machine, whether for development, testing, or other purposes.