How to create and use virtual machines. How to create a virtual machine: detailed instructions
Great amount programs appearing every day make downloading and installing unknown software on a computer more and more dangerous for the system and important files on the computer. In addition, many programs that have functions necessary for the work of programmers, artists and other PC users are available only for a small number of operating systems. Previously, you had to take a lot of risks when downloading from the Internet suspicious file, or reinstall the system just for the sake of one the desired program, then now there is such an OS for this as a virtual machine.
What is a virtual machine
Virtual machine- a special program that is installed on the native operating system user and upon startup begins to emulate, that is, reproduce, the functions of any other operating system specified in the settings. The main convenience of such programs is the absence of the need to switch between operating systems and access to all functions of the system being reproduced. In addition, all actions performed inside the virtual machine will not affect the operation of the main system, which prevents possible computer failures.
On this moment virtual machine developers have created programs that allow them to emulate any operating system, starting with earlier versions Windows to Ubuntu, OS X and lesser-known axes, also work with already ready-made servers, For example, Bitrix virtual machine.
There is another, narrower understanding of the term “virtual machine”, which is common among musicians - virtual drum machine, which plays the sounds of a drum kit. This program allows you to record parts of drum instruments without using a live setup, but in special recording programs or by “revitalizing” a pre-recorded midi track, placing recorded samples of each beat under the electronic sound.
What is a virtual machine for?
The range of actions that can be performed using a virtual machine is actually very large.
The simplest thing you can do with it is to use programs that are not available for the user’s operating system or even for the PC in general. For example, an operating room emulator Android systems essentially also a virtual machine with which people run applications or games.
In addition, virtual machines are often used by programmers to test written programs. For example, to check how correctly a written algorithm works in different versions of Windows. The same applies to developers of applications for iOS and Android, who check the functionality of their developments inside emulators. For this purpose, there is a virtual machine on a flash drive, so that you can always check the functionality of the written code.
The machines are also used by less advanced users for such checks. The fact is that when emulating related operating systems, the machine can reproduce all the information contained on the computer. Therefore, if a user has to download a file from the Internet that may contain viruses, he should first check it on a virtual machine. If it plays normally on it, then you can safely open it on your native OS.
In addition, they help in corporate work, say, Bitrix virtual machines.
If we talk about virtual drum machines, they are used to record drum parts with high quality when there is a lack of funds, for example, to rent a studio. Of all the instruments, drums are the most sensitive to recording, and it is they that you spend the most time on. In addition, the drummer may not have sufficient skill to play them smoothly, which significantly increases the cost of rent. In such a situation, the best way out would be to record the part in the program and then play it back.
What are virtual machines?
Virtual machine for Windows 10
Especially for advanced users familiar with the concept of a “virtual machine,” Microsoft made built-in emulation of other operating systems - . Initially, its functionality is blocked, but its components are easily enabled through the Control Panel.
Go to the Control Panel and go to the subsection " Programs and components" There in the window " Turning components on or off» Check the name of the Hyper-V service. After this, the virtual machine will be installed on the PC, and in the future you can launch it through the menu “ Start».
Key Benefits of Hyper-V:
- built into the system, no need to download or search for anything;
- has full emulation functionality different versions Windows, for example, 98 and other operating systems;
- supports versions Windows different bit depth;
- simple and intuitive interface.
In general, thanks to the presence of Hyper-V on Windows 10, users no longer need other similar programs. Although the utility does not require any special skills to configure, you can read more about it in the related article.
Virtual machine for Windows 7
Most Popular virtual machine For Windows users 7 is Windows Virtual PC. Initially, its main functionality was intended to emulate Windows XP, so that developers could comfortably transfer programs developed for this OS to the new seven, which was just being released at that time. Subsequently, its capabilities expanded, and now Virtual PC is a separate platform that is capable of reproducing almost all existing operating systems.
Like Hyper-V, this service is built into the system natively. In order to install it, you need to go to " Start" and submenu " Programs" There you need to find a line with the name of the program and click on it. A window will open in which you can freely create, delete and perform other manipulations with the operating system emulator.
Virtual machines for Mac and other OS
In addition to those built into the seventh and tenth Windows virtual machines third party developers have created many other, independent utilities that have approximately the same capabilities, but differ in details. The most popular of them is Oracle VirtualBox, which will be discussed in this part of the article.
This virtual machine can emulate all currently existing operating systems, and is also available for the most popular operating systems at the moment - Windows, OS X, Linux and Solaris. You can download it from the developer’s website, having previously selected which system you need it for.
From its other analogues this program Oracle is distinguished by its wide functionality, which includes support for USB ports and their launch from an emulated machine, the ability to save the system state for instant rollback in case a critical error occurs. In fact, from the huge list of all supported features, we can conclude that by downloading Oracle VirtualBox, you can comfortably work on any operating system without any restrictions at all.
For most users, VirtualBox is a very good choice because of its practicality, reliability and functionality.
Once the application distribution is on your computer, double-click on it. This will launch the installer. Here you will need to select which features, in addition to the Oracle machine itself, are installed with it. The list includes: the possibility of internal programming in Python, configured support for the Internet, as well as integration of USB ports. After that, just follow the instructions installation file until the installation of Oracle VirtualBox is completed.
Virtual drum machines
Virtual drum machines are present in the form of additional plugins that are installed and launched through a program for recording or writing music - FL Studio, Ableton, Cubase and others. The most popular drum machine emulators - EZ Drummer And Addictive Drums. Large libraries of samples for every taste, recorded by famous drummers, are freely available to them.
Creating your own virtual machine
In addition, there is also a company VMWare, which also offers users programs to create their own virtual machines. The most famous of them is called Workstation and extends to on a paid basis. However, there are plenty of resources that offer free use this virtual machine, both for Windows, Mac, and Ubuntu. It is worth noting that the company offers a lot additional utilities that expand opportunities basic program, adding desktop management features, broadcasts and more. Let's look at why this virtual machine is needed.
Workstation allows you to create virtual machines that will be managed from a single center. For the most part, this tool is of interest to large companies that need to configure the same functionality of devices on large quantities computers.
One of the most important features that the VMWare virtual machine has, the so-called vSphere, which allows you not only to create and configure a virtual machine, but also to implement an entire infrastructure of such devices connected to each other. And if you have to choose, then this functionality will be very useful for large companies whose employees need to exchange data and information with each other.
All functionality of programs developed by VMWare is based not on the single use of a virtual machine, but on the formation of a network of them and a single place from where this network is controlled.
Virtualization 1C-Bitrix
Another program created for comfortable work with 1C-Bitrix products - Bitrix virtual machine, this time from domestic developers, which can also work with any PHP applications. Essentially, this program is an emulation of a website server that contains all settings for comfortable work. The finished machine can be opened in VMWare Player or other applications from this developer (there are also versions for VirtualBox and HyperV).
The program allows you to save time and get started immediately after the main platform is ready for use. In this case, the Bitrix virtual machine is installed directly into the main emulation system, integrating into its functionality and operation, which allows you to begin interacting with 1C projects immediately after installation and launch.
Which virtual machine to choose
There is no clear comparison anymore. It all depends on the user and his needs. For game emulation and testing third party software The usual Hyper-V services and the like, built into the operating system itself, will be sufficient. Well tested, reliable and free option- This VirtualBox. For organizations, the best virtual machines are definitely VMWare products or the Bitrix virtual machine, since they simplify doing business and interacting with employees.
Video on the topic
How to install it yourself software Oracle Virtualbox, with which we will create a virtual machine, read in.
In order to create a virtual machine, for example, Windows XP, you need (the instructions are described for Virtulbox version 5.0.2 installed on Windows 8.1 x64):
1. Launch (Start -> Programs -> Oracle VM Virtualbox)
2. Press the button Create
Fig.1 - Oracle Virtualbox - create
3. In the next window, specify the name of the virtual machine, its type and version:
Rice. 2 Press the button Next
4. Set the required volume random access memory For normal functioning virtual machine:
Fig.3 - Oracle Virtualbox - creation - determining the amount of RAM Press the button Next
4. In the next window, select Create a new virtual HDD:
Fig.4 - Oracle Virtualbox - creating a new virtual hard disk Press the button Create
5. Select hard type disk:
Fig.5 - Oracle Virtualbox - choosing the type of virtual hard disk Click the button Next
6. Specify the format for storing data on the virtual hard disk:
Fig.6 - Oracle Virtualbox - choosing the format for storing data on a virtual hard disk Click the button Next
7. Specify the name and size of the virtual hard drive:
Fig.7 - Oracle Virtualbox - setting the name and size of the new virtual hard disk Press the button Create
8. On the left side of the window Oracle VM VirtualBox Manager an image will appear Windows systems XP:
Fig.8 - Oracle Virtualbox - manager Now you need to configure the virtual machine to be able to install Windows XP on it.
9. The first thing you need to do is indicate the source from which the operating system will be installed. To do this, select the desired one from the list of virtual machines (in in this case Windows XP see Fig. 8) and press the button Tune
10. Select in the left panel Carriers and in the attributes we indicate the device (disk) from which the operating system will be installed. In this case, we will install Windows XP from a CD (‘D:’)
Fig.9 - Virtualbox - media setup - selecting OS installation source
Installing software on a computer, especially little-known software, is always associated with a certain risk. The program may contain errors that affect the stability of the system, built-in advertising or tracking modules, and other unwanted elements. In addition, any software leaves traces on the system that may not have the best effect on its operation. As for experiments with Windows, everything is even more risky here, because sometimes even a seemingly insignificant change in registry data or modification system files can lead to the most unpleasant consequences.
Ask how to avoid them? Very simple, use virtualization systems, for example, virtual VirtualBox machine – special program, which allows you to install, run and test different operating systems in an isolated environment. You can do anything with such virtual computers - install programs on them, configure them, modify system files, work with disks and partitions, in a word, perform any experiments. If the virtual OS is damaged, you can restore it from a snapshot or delete it altogether - to the host OS, that is, the main one working system, it won't have any effect.
Installing VirtualBox for Windows
Perhaps all this may seem complicated to some, but in fact there is nothing in working with Virtualbox that a novice user cannot handle. So how to use VirtualBox? As usual, it all starts with installation. Go to the developer’s website www.oracle.com/virtualization/virtualbox/index.html and download latest version programs.
Installing VirtualBox on Windows 7/10 is almost no different from installing most other programs; you just need to follow the instructions of the wizard and do not change anything in its parameters. Upon completion of the procedure, you will receive a ready-made virtualization platform.
Creating and basic configuration of a virtual machine
Like installing VirtualBox, creating and setting up a virtual computer is not particularly difficult, the program automatically selects best configuration depending on the operating system being installed. User control, however, will not hurt.
Let's create a virtual machine for Windows 10 32-bit as an example. Launch VirtualBox and click the “Create” button on the toolbar. In the window that opens, give the machine a name (can be arbitrary); in the drop-down lists, select the operating system and its version.
At the next stage, you will be asked to specify the amount of RAM allocated to the virtual machine. There are no strict rules regarding the allocated RAM; for 32-bit Windows it is advisable to reserve at least 1 GB of memory, for 64-bit Windows - at least 1.8-2 GB.
At the third stage, a virtual hard disk is created, here we leave everything by default. Click “Create”, select the disk type VDI or VHD.
As for the storage format, it is better to select “Dynamic”, this way you will save time and space on the physical disk, although losing a little in performance.
Size virtual disk we install as desired, but not less than specified in the operating system requirements. Click “Create”.
The virtual machine has been created and now you can quickly go through its settings. First of all, however, go to the settings itself. VirtualBox programs and on the General tab, change the path to the virtual machines storage directory. It is best to allocate a folder for them on drive D, where there is the most space.
Now go to the settings of the created VM and check the following parameters:
- In the “General” section on the “Advanced” tab, change the path to the VM snapshot files if necessary (it is advisable to place them in the folder with the main VM container file). Here you can enable a shared clipboard for the host and virtual machines.
- If you want to install the system in EFI/GPT mode, in the “System” section, be sure to check the “Enable EFI (special OS only)” checkbox.
- To be able to run 3D applications on a virtual machine, in the “Display” section, check the “Enable 3D acceleration” checkbox.
Setting up the Internet and shared folders
If you plan to provide access to the VM to other users on the local physical network, in settings VirtualBox networks You should select the connection type “Network Bridge”. To ensure interaction between different virtual machines, the “ Virtual adapter host", to connect guest operating systems to a single internal network - mode " Internal network" There is also a connection type " Universal driver", but it is used much less frequently.
Of particular interest are shared folders in VirtualBox, thanks to which the user can exchange between the host and virtual machines any files. You can connect such a directory in the “Shared Folders” section. To do this, click on the plus sign opposite the “Machine Folders” item, select a folder on your hard drive through the overview and connect it, not forgetting to check the “Auto-connect” checkbox.
Starting a VM and installing the operating system
Now you know how to configure VirtualBox and the created VM. Next, let's see how to install the operating system on it. The procedure for installing an OS on Virtualbox is practically no different from installing it on a physical computer, except that instead bootable flash drive or DVD is used here installation image ISO. Launch the created virtual machine and specify the path to the bootable ISO image with the system in the window that opens.
The standard installation procedure will begin and you will be prompted to accept license agreement, partition the disk, and after copying the system files, create account user.
The guest operating system is installed, but some functions, in particular, shared folders and the clipboard, will not work until you install a special plugin - guest OS additions. In addition, without these add-ons you will not be able to adjust the screen resolution, connect flash drives to the virtual machine, etc. Fortunately, you don’t need to download anything; guest OS add-ons are included with VirtualBox. All you need to do is select the option in the virtual operating system menu Devices – Mount the Guest Additions disk image.
Go to the “This PC” section in the virtual OS, open the disk drive VirtualBox Guest Additions and, if the system does not offer to do this itself, run executable file VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe.
Install addons as regular program, accepting the security agreement, and reboot the virtual computer.
The guest system is ready for use, all that remains is to check the network operation. We will not dwell in detail on how to set up the Internet in VirtualBox. If you selected NAT, the VM will connect to the Internet automatically. With other types of connections, you will most likely have to tinker a little. Remember the main thing, if the IP address for your main computer is issued automatically by the router, the same settings must be set in the parameters network adapter virtual system. If settings are assigned manually, then they must also be assigned manually in the guest system network adapter settings.
Main problems when working with VirtualBox
VirtualBox is a stable and high-quality software product, and if users have to encounter problems during its operation, the causes of the latter are most often the errors of the users themselves. Thus, those who try to launch virtual machines on VirtualBox with Hyper-V active will encounter the error “Failed to open a session for the virtual machine” (code E_FAIL 0x80004005). The reason is the incompatibility of these virtualization platforms. If you are planning to use VirtualBox, please disable Hyper-V and vice versa.
However, the disabled virtualization function in the BIOS can lead to the same error. This will be indicated by the unavailability of hardware virtualization options in the virtual machine settings (VT-x/AMD-V and Nested Paging in the section System - Acceleration). By the way, these options must be enabled even with active virtualization in the BIOS, otherwise the VM will also not start.
A VM crashing into BSOD upon startup is a common problem caused by a lack of resources allocated to the guest operating system. physical computer. When creating a virtual machine in VirtualBox, you need to ensure that the allocated resources meet the requirements of the operating system.
The blue screen of death can also be caused by the host Hyper-V system and controller type mismatch. If the virtual disk was previously connected to SATA, and then you connected it to IDE, the guest OS will fail with a critical error and crash into BSOD. The issue is being resolved by creating a new compatible controller and connecting a container file with the guest system to it.
Accidental deletion of snapshot files by the user may result in the inability to start the VM. You need to delete snapshots correctly - through the “Snapshots” section, otherwise you will have to completely reinstall guest system. If VirtualBox itself does not start or when you start it you get the error “Cannot access the kernel driver!”, most likely you will have to uninstall the program and then reinstall it.
Virtualization is a useful technology that will help you run multiple operating systems on one computer.
For example, if you are working on a Windows 7 computer, you can create virtual machines on Windows XP or Ubuntu Linux and run these operating systems on your existing computer just like any other Windows application.
In telephony, using a virtual number is very convenient technology. You can find out what a direct virtual number gives you on the website of DATAFOX, which provides a wide range of telecommunications services.
How to create a virtual machine
Windows Virtual PC, Virtual Box and VMware Workstation are the most popular apps, which allow you to create new virtual machines on your Windows PC, but the only problem with these programs is that they require you to do everything from scratch.
That is, if you want to create a new virtual machine, you will have to install the operating system using the original installer DVD, and then configure it and install your favorite programs. This can take a long time and is quite difficult.
Is it possible to use existing computer with Windows OS, on which all your favorite programs are already installed, turn into a virtual machine?
Convert your computer to a virtual machine
Previously, it was possible to convert an existing hard drive into a virtual machine. However, the process was not simple and often required expensive programs.
Now everything has changed. New utility from Microsoft makes it easy and quick to convert your existing Windows operating system into a virtual machine that is ready to run on any other computer.
The Sysinternals team at Microsoft has released an application called Disk2vhd that makes it easy to convert your existing computer into virtual hard disk (VHD). This tiny utility does not even require installation.
Creating virtual hard disks with Disk2vhd
When you launch Disk2vhd, it will immediately show you all the disks and partitions on your computer that can be turned into a virtual hard disk. Simply select the drive for which you want to create a VHD file and click the "Create" button. Disk2vhd will convert your hard drive to VHD file even if the computer/drive is currently in use.
Once the virtual machine VHD file is created, you can run it in any work environment virtualization including free Windows Virtual PC, Virtual Box or VMware Player. You can also install the virtual machine as standard hard disk in Windows 7, and you can even boot from it if your computer is running Windows control 7 Ultimate.
You can use Disk2vhd to create virtual Windows machines XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista and higher machines, including 64-bit systems.
Usage scenario
Let's say you have a computer on which everything is already working software, programs you use frequently but now want to switch to new computer or update your operating system. You might consider creating a virtual machine of your old device using Microsoft utilities, and it will help you use all your favorite programs (with the same settings) on your new machine.
You can also use virtualization to create backup copy of your hard drive in one file, and this will be convenient in case of disk failure.
Disk2vhd is useful tool, which allows you to enjoy the benefits of virtualization without requiring significant effort and qualifications from the user.
Creating a virtual machine on a real computer is extremely convenient tool experimenting, studying, testing various operating systems.
In simple words, if you want to look at and study, for example, Linux OS, Mac OS, Windows Server and other various systems, but for this you do not have a separate computer and hard drive to install them, virtualization will help out. That is, by allocating some RAM and hard disk space from your work computer, you can install any system you need on it.
Install virtual operating system very easy using the Oracle VM VirtualBox program. Its installation usually does not cause any difficulties; it is done by analogy with any other applications.
How to use VirtualBOX:
1. Launch VirtualBox and click " Create".
2. Specify the name (think of any one), as well as the type and version of the operating system. The OS boot option depends on the type and version, i.e. will the one you connect work? boot image.
3. Next, we indicate the amount of random access memory (RAM) for the future virtual system. The recommended volume will be offered depending on the selected OS version. If possible, indicate a little more than recommended, but not required. Focus on the tasks you plan to perform in the system being created. For example, if you just need to see what a new operating system looks like, then it is enough to indicate the minimum, but if you are going to work in it, distribute more.
4. Then you need to specify the disk to host the OS. If this is your first time, select " Create a new virtual hard disk", if not, you can select an existing one.
5. For correct operation OS, it is better to specify the "native" hard drive format VirtualBox disk - VDI.
6. Depending on whether you have enough volume disk space you need to decide which virtual disk storage format to use: dynamic or fixed. Essentially, this is how you set the size of the virtual machine image file on your computer and the disk space inside the virtual system.
- Dynamic virtual hard disk- initially does not take up extra space on your hard drive, i.e. has only the size required for a given operating system. But as you work with the virtual OS, if you fill it with files (install programs, copy information there, etc.), then the size will grow accordingly. And only in the direction of increase; the disk will no longer be able to decrease backwards.
- Fixed virtual hard disk- has an exact constant size in the virtual operating system, and accordingly the size of the virtual machine image file. This option is suitable if you have quite a lot free space on hard drives in a computer. A fixed disk is faster than a dynamic disk.
8. After clicking the "Create" button, the process of creating a disk for the virtual system will begin. Surgery time depends on the size and type of disc.
9. After the process is completed, in the left column you will see the created virtual machine with information about the characteristics. " Virtual computer"created on the computer! Click " Launch".
10. Now you need to specify the path to the boot image to install the operating system. Here you either specify a drive with a disk, or, more simply, a boot one ISO image. If everything is specified correctly, the download will begin from of this disk(or from the base). Install the operating system as usual.
11. After installing the system, launch it. For example - installed Windows 8.1 in the VitrualBox window.
