VirtualBox facts for kids
VirtualBox logo since 2024
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VirtualBox 7.0 with dark mode applied running on Windows 11, with a Ubuntu 22.10 virtual machine running in background
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| Original author(s) | InnoTek Systemberatung GmbH (2007–2008) Sun Microsystems (2008–2010) |
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| Developer(s) | Oracle Corporation |
| Initial release | 17 January 2007 |
| Stable release |
7.1.2
 / 26 September 2024 |
| Written in | C, C++, x86 Assembly, Python |
| Operating system | Windows, macOS (only Intel-based Macs), Linux and Solaris |
| Platform | x86-64 only (version series 5.x and earlier work on IA-32) |
| Type | Hypervisor |
| License |
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Oracle VirtualBox is a special computer program that lets you run other operating systems inside your main computer. Think of it like having a computer inside your computer! It's also known as a "virtual machine" program.
VirtualBox was first made by a company called InnoTek Systemberatung GmbH. Later, it was bought by Sun Microsystems in 2008, and then by Oracle in 2010. That's why it's now called Oracle VirtualBox.
You can install VirtualBox on many different computer systems. These include Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris. Once installed, you can create "virtual machines" to run other systems. These can be Windows, Linux, BSD, OS/2, Solaris, and even some versions of macOS.
VirtualBox is mostly free and open-source software. This means its code is available for anyone to see and use. However, there's an "Extension Pack" that adds extra features. This pack is proprietary software, meaning its code is private. It's free for personal use, but companies need to buy a license.
Contents
How VirtualBox Started
VirtualBox first came out from a German company called InnoTek. At first, it was a paid program, but they offered a free version for personal use.
In January 2007, InnoTek released a special version called VirtualBox Open Source Edition (OSE). This version was completely free and open-source. It followed the rules of the GNU General Public License (GPL).
InnoTek also helped develop features for other virtual machine programs. These features allowed the main computer and the virtual computer to work better together. For example, they helped create shared clipboards or automatic screen resizing.
Sun Microsystems bought InnoTek in February 2008. Then, Oracle Corporation bought Sun Microsystems in January 2010. After that, the program was renamed "Oracle VM VirtualBox."
Since December 2019, VirtualBox only works with computers that have special hardware features. These features help virtual machines run much faster.
What's New in VirtualBox?
VirtualBox gets updated regularly with new features and improvements. Here are some of the cool things that have been added over the years:
- Version 3.2 (2010): Added support for running Mac OS X Server as a guest. It also allowed you to change the number of CPUs while the virtual machine was running.
- Version 4.0 (2010): This version changed how VirtualBox was licensed. The main program became open-source, and extra features were put into a separate "Extension Pack." It also made it easier to move virtual machines.
- Version 4.1 (2011): Introduced the ability to make copies of your virtual machines, which is called "cloning."
- Version 4.2 (2012): You could now group virtual machines together. This made it easier to manage several at once, like turning them all on or off.
- Version 4.3 (2013): Added support for recording videos of your virtual machine's screen.
- Version 5.0 (2015): Improved how Windows and Linux guests work, making them run smoother. It also added support for faster USB3 devices. You could even drag and drop files between your main computer and the virtual machine.
- Version 6.0 (2018): Allowed you to move your virtual machines to and from Oracle Cloud, which is a service for storing data online. It also added a file manager to easily move files.
- Version 6.1 (2019): Added more support for running virtual machines inside other virtual machines (called "nested virtualization"). It also stopped supporting older ways of running virtual machines that didn't use special hardware.
- Version 7.0 (2022): Brought support for running Windows 11 as a guest. This included features like UEFI Secure Boot and TPM chips. It also added a "dark mode" for the program's look.
- Version 7.1 (2024): Improved support for IPv6 internet addresses and allowed sharing the clipboard with Wayland systems.
How Virtualization Works
VirtualBox lets you run many different operating systems on one computer. Each virtual system acts like its own separate computer. You can start, pause, and stop each one whenever you want. You can also set up each virtual machine differently.
Your main computer (the "host OS") and the virtual computers (the "guest OSes") can talk to each other. They can share things like your clipboard (for copy-pasting) and use a virtual network. Virtual machines can even talk to each other if you set them up that way.
Using Hardware Help
Modern computers have special features built into their processors (CPUs) that help virtual machines run faster. VirtualBox uses these features, like Intel's VT-x and AMD's AMD-V.
When these features are used, the virtual machine runs almost as fast as if it were on a real computer. Since version 6.1, VirtualBox needs these hardware features to work.
Virtual Devices and Connections
VirtualBox can pretend to have many different computer parts.
- Hard Drives: It can create virtual hard drives in different formats. This means you can use virtual disks made by other programs like VMware or Microsoft. You can also connect to real parts of your computer's hard drive.
- CD/DVD Drives: You can use image files (like .ISO files) or your computer's real CD/DVD drive. This lets you install operating systems or run programs from virtual discs.
- Graphics: VirtualBox creates a virtual graphics card. If you install "Guest Additions" (special drivers), the virtual machine's screen will look better and can automatically resize.
- Network Cards: It pretends to have different types of network cards. This allows your virtual machine to connect to the internet or other computers. Many operating systems already have drivers for these virtual cards.
- Sound Cards: VirtualBox can act like different sound cards, so your virtual machine can play sounds.
- USB Devices: You can connect USB devices from your main computer to your virtual machine. This means you can use your USB flash drives, printers, or other devices inside the virtual system.
Special Features of VirtualBox
VirtualBox has many helpful features:
- Snapshots: You can save the exact state of your virtual machine at any time. If something goes wrong later, you can go back to that saved point.
- Screenshots and Video: You can take pictures of your virtual machine's screen or record videos of it.
- Host Key: This is a special key (usually the right Ctrl key) that lets you switch between controlling your virtual machine and your main computer.
- Mouse Integration: Your mouse cursor can move smoothly between your main computer and the virtual machine's screen.
- Seamless Mode: This cool feature lets you run programs from your virtual machine right alongside programs from your main computer. It's like they're all on the same desktop!
- Shared Clipboard: You can copy text or images from your main computer and paste them into your virtual machine, and vice-versa.
- Shared Folders: You can set up folders on your main computer that your virtual machine can access. This makes sharing files easy.
- Custom Settings: You can control how much computer memory, video memory, and CPU power your virtual machine uses.
- Multiple Screens: VirtualBox can pretend to have more than one screen, which is useful for some tasks.
- Command Line: Besides the easy-to-use graphical interface, you can also control VirtualBox using text commands.
- 3D Graphics: It has some support for 3D graphics, which helps with certain programs or games.
- Multiple CPUs: You can give your virtual machine more than one virtual CPU, making it run faster for demanding tasks.
Virtual Storage Options
VirtualBox offers many ways to handle storage:
- Virtual Hard Disks: You can create and use virtual hard drives. You can also use virtual CD/DVD images to install software or share files.
- Connecting to Real Disks: You can let your virtual machine access parts of your real hard drive.
- Compatibility: VirtualBox can use disk images from other virtualization programs like VMware and Microsoft.
- Hot-swapping: You can add or remove virtual SATA disks while the virtual machine is running.
- Encryption: You can encrypt your virtual machine's disk images to keep your data safe.
What VirtualBox Can't Do (Limitations)
While VirtualBox is powerful, it has some limits:
- Older Windows versions (like Windows XP and Vista) no longer have full 3D graphics support in newer VirtualBox versions.
- Transferring files to and from older USB2 devices can be slow.
- There are no official "Guest Additions" (special drivers) for macOS guests.
- Older Windows systems like Windows 9x (95, 98, ME) don't have official Guest Additions. This can make them run slowly.
- Support for EFI (a newer way for computers to start up) is not complete for all guest operating systems.
- The amount of video memory you can give a virtual machine is limited.
- Very old Windows systems (like Windows 95/98/ME) might not work well on newer computers with VirtualBox 6.1 and above.
What Computers Can Run VirtualBox?
VirtualBox can be installed on many different operating systems. These are called "host OSes."
- Windows 10 (64-bit) and newer versions. Support for older Windows versions has been removed over time.
- Windows Server 2019 and newer versions.
- Many different Linux distributions.
- macOS from version 11 (Big Sur) to 14 (Sonoma). This includes both newer ARM-based Macs and older Intel-based Macs.
- Oracle Solaris.
VirtualBox Extension Pack
Some advanced features in VirtualBox require you to install a separate "VirtualBox Extension Pack." This pack includes:
- Support for faster USB 2.0 and 3.0 devices.
- RDP support, which lets you connect to your virtual machine from another computer.
- PXE boot for network cards.
- The ability to encrypt your virtual machine's disk images.
- Support for using your computer's Webcam inside the virtual machine.
While VirtualBox itself is free and open-source, the Extension Pack has a special license. It's free for personal use and for learning, but businesses need to buy a license to use it. The Extension Pack is installed on your main computer, while "Guest Additions" (which improve performance) are installed inside each virtual machine.
Images for kids
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VirtualBox logo since 2024
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VirtualBox 7.0 with dark mode applied running on Windows 11, with a Ubuntu 22.10 virtual machine running in background
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VirtualBox logo from 2010-2024
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Logo of VirtualBox OSE, 2007–2010
