Use multiple operating systems by virtualization on one computer
Tutorial with ID 7 from current 11

Contents:

• Download the latest version of VirtualBox
• Installing VirtualBox
• Program window of VirtualBox
• Importing an Operating System Template
• Change Virtual System Language
• Set and manage backup points
• Load encrypted CRYPTDRIVE's in the virtual system

1. Download the latest version of VirtualBox

The free software VirtualBox is downloaded from the website in three steps.

• 1. first open the website of VirtualBox
• 2. You can get to the download page by pressing the big download button on the start page.
• 3. Select the appropriate setup.

2. Installing VirtualBox

After downloading the approx. 120 MB file, start the setup and follow the instructions of the setup wizard.

3. Program window of VirtualBox

After the installation the computer may have to be restarted. The program window can then be started via the start menu or the desktop icon (blue box with gray edges). The window is clearly arranged and offers all important functions on the start page. Here you can now (1.) create a new operating system or (2.). import it via the menu.

4. Importing an Operating System Template

Import of a ready-made development version of Microsoft

First things first, Microsoft offers developers a variety of virtual systems for free download and use for 90 days. On the developer website of Microsoft all operating systems from Windows XP over Vista, 7 and 8 to Windows 10 with different browsers are offered. In this example I explain the download and import of Windows 7 with Internet Explorer 11. The compressed image file with a size of about 3.5 GB is a complete operating system. In the following steps, the import is described in detail:

1. Open Microsoft website

Start your browser and open the following Microsoft website: https://dev.windows.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/tools/vms/windows/! If this page is no longer up to date, you should use a search engine (Google) to search for "Download virtual miches from microsoft".

2. Select virtual machine

Select the desired operating system with your preferred browser.

3. Virtual Machine Format

Microsoft offers its test operating systems for various vitalization programs. In addition to the free VirtualBox, VMware and VPC, for example, are also included in the offer.

4. Download image

In order to download the image of the desired operating system, the download link is offered in the blue box on the right side. Since the images have a size of several GB's, downloading the zip file can take some time depending on the internet bandwidth.

5. Download unzip

In order to minimize the bandwidth required by the transferring system, the image is transferred as a compressed zip file. To unpack, open the download location on your hard disk. The zip file can be unpacked with a compression program (e.g. WinZip, WinRar or similar) or directly with the Windows board tools. Remember the location of the unpacked image file.

6. Import the image file

To import the image file, open the VirtualBox program and select the item File -> Import Appliance from the menu.

7. Select virtual system image

First you have to select the previously unpacked OVA file. This is possible via the directory icon on the first page of the wizard. Now you have to select the image file IE11 - Win7.ova. With alternative operating systems this file is called accordingly.

8. Set settings

Every PC hardware is individual and must be adapted when importing VirtualBox. On the settings page there is now the possibility to make individual adjustments. For example, the RAM memory to be used can be adapted. The more the guest system is allocated, the smoother it runs. However, it must be noted that the allocated RAM will be wiped out by the main system. It should therefore be set in a balanced way, with Microsoft recommending 7 1024 to 2028 MB for Windows. In addition, the item Assign new MAC addresses for all network cards should be activated.

9. Complete import

Finally, VirtualBox imports the operating system image and adjusts the settings. This process can also take some time. After that you will find the new entry IE11 - Win7 (or comparable) in the left column of the VirtualBox window.

10. Start new virtual operating system

The virtual operating system is started via the icon with the green arrow. This opens a new window in which the operating system is booted. The login password for the user IEUser is Passw0rd. However, this does not have to be entered, because Windows logs in automatically.

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Use multiple operating systems by virtualization on one computer