Here's a comprehensive article on how to install Linux on Mac using VirtualBox:

How to Install Linux on Mac Using VirtualBox

Have you ever wondered if you can use Virtualbox on your Mac? The answer is yes, and it's an excellent alternative to Windows for those who are learning virtualization for the first time or looking for a free solution. With VirtualBox, you can install Linux on your Mac, allowing you to access the powerful open-source software and tools that come with Linux.

Why Use Virtualbox?

VirtualBox is a simple process that has been made quick and easy to follow. It's virtualization software that allows you to run other operating systems in containers on your Mac directly from the application. For example, you can run Linux or Windows directly within VirtualBox without having to use dual-booting or anything else.

Downloading Virtualbox

To get started with installing Linux on your Mac using Virtualbox, you'll need to download the software. Go to the Virtualbox website and find the appropriate download listed as 'Developer preview for macOS / Arm64 (M1/M2) hosts'. As usual, VirtualBox is completely free to download and use.

Using the Developer Preview Beta ARM Build

While technically in beta, anyone can get access to the developer preview beta ARM build of Virtualbox through the Virtualbox website. This version of Virtualbox has been specifically designed for Apple Silicon Macs.

Setting Up Your Virtual Machine

Once you have downloaded and installed Virtualbox, it's time to set up your virtual machine. You'll need to create a new virtual machine by clicking on 'New' in the Virtualbox main window. Follow the prompts to select the operating system (in this case, Linux), allocate RAM and storage capacity, and adjust other settings as needed.

Installing Linux

Once you have created your virtual machine, it's time to install Linux. You can download a Linux distribution such as Ubuntu or Debian, and then follow the installation instructions.

Accessing Your Virtual Machine

Once your virtual machine is set up and running, you'll be able to access your Linux operating system directly from within Virtualbox. You can use your Mac keyboard and mouse to interact with your Linux desktop, and you'll have full access to all of the powerful open-source software and tools that come with Linux.

In this article, we've shown you how to install Linux on your Mac using Virtualbox. With Virtualbox, you can run a variety of operating systems on your Mac, including Linux, Windows, and others. Whether you're looking for a free solution or are interested in learning more about virtualization, Virtualbox is an excellent choice.

Additional Resources

If the topic of virtualization interests you, check out some more of our posts on the subject. There are many other options available for virtualization, including the free UTM app which allows you to easily run Windows 11 on an Apple Silicon Mac, as well as paid solutions such as VMWare and Parallels.

How to install linux on mac using virtualbox