Trying Linux Using Virtual Machines Best VM Software and Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Want to Try Linux Without Breaking Your Computer?
If you’re curious about Linux but still using Windows or macOS, you might be worried about one thing:
“What if I mess something up?”
Good news you don’t need to replace your current operating system to try Linux.
The safest and easiest way to experiment with Linux is by using a virtual machine (VM).
With a VM, you can:
- Run Linux inside your current OS
- Try different Linux distributions
- Learn Linux without touching your real system
- Delete everything with one click if something goes wrong
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What a virtual machine is
- Why using a VM is perfect for beginners
- The best VM software to try Linux
- Step-by-step installation guide
- Tips for the best experience
Let’s get started.
What Is a Virtual Machine (VM)?
A virtual machine is a software-based computer that runs inside your real computer.
Think of it like this:
- Your real computer = physical machine
- VM = computer inside a computer
A VM has:
- Virtual CPU
- Virtual RAM
- Virtual hard drive
- Virtual network card
Linux runs inside this virtual environment just like it would on real hardware.
Why Try Linux Using a Virtual Machine?
Using a VM is one of the best ways to learn Linux, especially for beginners.
1. No Risk to Your Main System
Your Windows or macOS installation stays untouched.
Even if Linux crashes, your main OS is safe.
2. Easy to Delete or Reset
Did something wrong?
- Delete the VM
- Create a new one
- Start fresh in minutes
Perfect for learning.
3. Try Multiple Linux Distributions
You can install:
- Ubuntu
- Linux Mint
- Fedora
- Debian
All on the same computer, one VM at a time.
4. Great for Learning and Testing
VMs are ideal for:
- Learning Linux commands
- Testing software
- Practicing server setups
- Experimenting without fear
Minimum Hardware Requirements for Running Linux in a VM
Before we start, let’s make sure your system is ready.
Recommended Minimum Specs
- CPU: 64-bit processor with virtualization support
- RAM: 8 GB (4 GB minimum)
- Storage: 30–40 GB free space
- OS: Windows, macOS, or Linux
If your system has only 4 GB RAM, Linux will still work but performance may be limited.
Best Virtual Machine Software to Try Linux
There are several VM tools available, but these are the most beginner-friendly.
1. VirtualBox (Best Free Option)
VirtualBox is the most popular choice for beginners.
Why VirtualBox Is Great
- Free and open source
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Easy graphical interface
- Huge community and tutorials
For most beginners, VirtualBox is the best starting point.
2. VMware Workstation Player (Best Performance)
VMware Workstation Player is another excellent option.
Pros
- Better performance than VirtualBox (in many cases)
- Very stable
- Good Linux support
Cons
- Free for personal use only
- Slightly heavier system requirements
If you want smoother performance and don’t mind proprietary software, VMware is a solid choice.
3. Hyper-V (Windows Pro Users)
Hyper-V is built into:
- Windows Pro
- Windows Enterprise
However:
- Less beginner-friendly
- More complex networking
- Not ideal for first-time Linux users
We’ll focus on VirtualBox for this guide.
Choosing a Linux Distribution for VM Testing
For beginners, start with:
- Ubuntu
- Linux Mint
- Fedora Workstation
These distros:
- Are easy to install
- Have good hardware support
- Work well inside VMs
In this guide, we’ll use Ubuntu Desktop as an example.
Step 1: Download Linux ISO File
A Linux ISO is an image of the installation disk.
Steps
- Go to the official Ubuntu website
- Download Ubuntu Desktop LTS
- Save the ISO file to your computer
This ISO will be used by the VM as a virtual DVD.
Step 2: Install VirtualBox
- Download VirtualBox from the official site
- Install it using default settings
- Also install the VirtualBox Extension Pack (important for performance)
Restart your system if required.
Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine
Open VirtualBox and click New.
Basic VM Settings
- Name: Ubuntu Linux
- Type: Linux
- Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)
Click Next.
Step 4: Allocate RAM and CPU
Recommended Settings
- RAM: 2048 MB minimum (4096 MB recommended)
- CPU: 2 cores (if available)
More resources = better performance
But don’t exceed half of your system’s total RAM.
Step 5: Create Virtual Hard Disk
Choose:
- Create a virtual hard disk now
- VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)
- Dynamically allocated
- Size: 30–40 GB
This disk exists as a file on your real computer.
Step 6: Attach the Linux ISO
- Select your VM
- Click Settings
- Go to Storage
- Under Controller IDE, choose Empty
- Attach the Ubuntu ISO file
Now the VM knows where to boot from.
Step 7: Start the VM and Install Linux
Click Start.
You’ll see the Ubuntu boot screen.
Choose:
- Try or Install Ubuntu
- Select language
- Keyboard layout
Then choose Install Ubuntu.
Step 8: Linux Installation Inside the VM
Installation Options
- Normal installation
- Download updates while installing
- Install third-party software (recommended)
When asked about disk:
- Choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu
Don’t worry this erases only the virtual disk, not your real system.
Step 9: User Setup
Enter:
- Your name
- Computer name
- Username
- Password
Wait for installation to finish, then restart the VM.
Congratulations you now have Linux running in a virtual machine 🎉
Step 10: Install Guest Additions (Very Important)
Guest Additions improve:
- Screen resolution
- Mouse integration
- Clipboard sharing
- Performance
How to Install
- VM menu → Devices
- Insert Guest Additions CD Image
- Run installer inside Linux
- Reboot the VM
This step makes Linux much smoother.
What You Can Do With Linux in a VM
Now that Linux is running, you can:
- Learn basic commands
- Install software
- Explore desktop environments
- Practice server setups
- Test scripts and configs
Everything you learn transfers to real Linux systems.
Performance Tips for Linux VMs
- Enable hardware virtualization (VT-x / AMD-V) in BIOS
- Allocate enough RAM
- Use Guest Additions
- Close heavy apps on host OS
VM performance depends on host resources.
VM vs Dual Boot: Which Is Better for Beginners?
| Feature | Virtual Machine | Dual Boot |
|---|---|---|
| Risk | Very low | Medium |
| Setup | Easy | More complex |
| Performance | Slightly lower | Native |
| Beginner-friendly | Excellent | Moderate |
For beginners, VM wins.
Common Beginner Mistakes When Using VMs
- Not installing Guest Additions
- Allocating too little RAM
- Choosing advanced Linux distros too early
- Expecting gaming-level performance
VMs are for learning not heavy gaming.
When Should You Move From VM to Real Linux?
Consider installing Linux on real hardware when:
- You’re comfortable with Linux basics
- You want full performance
- You plan to use Linux daily
Until then, VMs are perfect.
Using VMs for Linux Server Learning
VMs are excellent for:
- Ubuntu Server
- Debian Server
- Web server testing
- Docker and container practice
Many professionals learned Linux this way.
Virtual Machines Are the Best Way to Try Linux Safely
Trying Linux using a virtual machine is:
- Safe
- Flexible
- Beginner-friendly
- Educational
You don’t need special hardware, and you don’t need to take risks. A VM lets you explore Linux freely and confidently.
If you’re serious about learning Linux, starting with a virtual machine is one of the smartest decisions you can make.