How to Install and Setup Virtualbox, With an Ubuntu Linux O/S for Windows 7

These instructions will help you to install a virtual machine program called VirtualBox. VirtaulBox is a program that will create a virtual disk or virtual hard drive on your current hard drive. It is used to install multiple operating systems (O/S) within an existing O/S. For these instructions I will be showing you how to install VirtualBox and get it ready to begin the installation of an open source O/S called Linux, the version will be Ubuntu.

Steps

1. 
   
   

   Get Virtual Box from www.
   Get Virtual Box from www.virtualbox.org. Click on “Downloads” in the left hand column of the screen. Once on the Download page, select the Operating System (O/S) you will be running your virtual machine on. Either an option will appear at the bottom of your browser to save or cancel, or a window will appear with the same options. The default save location is usually the “Download” folder unless you've changed your preferences.
   
   
2. 
   
   

   Click on your downloaded file to execute it to start the installation.
   
   Click on your downloaded file to execute it to start the installation. Once the installation begins you will be asked if you want to create any shortcuts (that will be up to you), then click on “Next”. Then, you will be ready to install by pressing the “install” button on the next screen.
3. Once the installation is complete you will be asked if you wish to start VirtualBox. Leave this box checked and click “Finish”.
4. 
   
   

   Once VirtualBox opens, click “New” in the top left corner.
   Once VirtualBox opens, click “New” in the top left corner. An installation wizard screen will appear. Click “Next”
5. 
   
   

   In the “Name” box, write Ubuntu.
   In the “Name” box, write Ubuntu. In the “OS Type” box, select Linux, version Ubuntu, if they are not already selected. Click “Next”.
6. 
   
   

   The memory allocation page will appear.
   The memory allocation page will appear. Leave it on the default setting unless you know how best to divide your memory between programs. (DON'T WORRY, it doesn't use your RAM memory unless you are running the O/S on the virtual machine, and it's as easy as right clicking the O/S on the main screen and choosing "remove" to clear off the O/S.) Click "Next"
7. 
   
   

   Next, you will be asked how much space you need to allocate for the setup of your O/S.
   Next, you will be asked how much space you need to allocate for the setup of your O/S. I would leave the default of 8GB. Click "Next"
8. The next page creates your virtual disk. Leave the default VDI if you don't know which one to pick. Click "Next"
9. Virtual disk storage details. Here, you are given the option to create a Dynamically allocated disk (which means it will only be as big as it needs to be to operate properly but will NOT surpass the pre-determined size given to it.) Your other option is “Fixed size” which is, well, a fixed size. Choose the option that you prefer. Click "Next"
10. 
    
    

    Now you are given the chore of deciding the location of your virtual dive, and the size.
    Now you are given the chore of deciding the location of your virtual dive, and the size. Try leaving your location to default, which is in the VirtualBox folder. Next you will need to tell the program how much hard drive space you wish to allocate to this O/S. I would start with the recommended size of 8GB, if you decide you like the O/S and are planning to use it for more applications you'll have to use your own discretion. Just be aware that the space you allocate to this O/S is used only by this O/S until you remove it. Click "Next"
11. 

    Now you are given the chance to look over the summary of everything you just set up.
    Now you are given the chance to look over the summary of everything you just set up. If all is well click “Create”. If not, go back and change it as appropriate.
12. 
    
    

    Now you are at the startup window of VirtualBox and you now have a virtual machine setup called Ubuntu.
    Now you are at the startup window of VirtualBox and you now have a virtual machine setup called Ubuntu. If you already have Ubuntu downloaded you can click on your virtual machine and select your file location for installation. If you need the O/S please proceed.
13. 
    
    

    Go to www.
    Go to www.ubuntu.com/download and choose download and install.
14. Once the download is complete you can open your virtual machine and enter the location of your file. Now follow Ubuntu's installation instructions. Enjoy!

Source : www.wikihow.com