getting started a linux machine in virtualbox on a mac el capitan

Getting Started with a Linux Machine in VirtualBox on a Mac El Capitan

Are you interested in exploring the world of Linux, but don't know where to begin? One excellent way to get started is by installing a Linux distribution inside VirtualBox on your Mac running El Capitan. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to set up a Linux machine in VirtualBox and get you familiar with the basics.

First things first, you'll need to download an ISO image of a Linux distribution. You can choose from a wide range of options, including popular ones like Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, or openSUSE. For this tutorial, we'll be using Linux Mint 18.2 with the Cinnamon desktop environment.

To create a bootable USB drive, you'll need to use a tool like Universal USB Installer. This software is designed specifically for creating bootable thumb drives from ISO images. Simply download and install the software on your Mac, then follow the prompts to create your bootable Linux Mint 18.2 USB drive.

Once you have your bootable USB drive ready, insert it into your Mac and restart your computer. As your Mac boots up, hold down the 'Option' (⌥) key to bring up the boot menu. Select your USB drive as the startup disk, and VirtualBox will launch automatically.

From here, you can create a new virtual machine in VirtualBox by clicking on 'New' and following the prompts. Choose Linux Mint 18.2 as the operating system, and allocate as much memory and CPU resources as you like (depending on your Mac's specifications).

Once your virtual machine is set up, you'll be prompted to install Linux Mint 18.2. Follow the installation wizard's instructions to complete the setup process.

After installing Linux Mint 18.2, you can start exploring the desktop environment and getting familiar with the basics of using a Linux operating system. Linux Mint 18.2 comes with the Cinnamon desktop, which is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use.

If you're new to Linux, Ubuntu is another excellent option worth considering. Ubuntu is designed to be easy to use and is a great choice for former Windows users or those who are curious about trying out Linux. Ubuntu strives to eliminate many of the rougher edges associated with traditional Linux distributions.

In conclusion, getting started with a Linux machine in VirtualBox on your Mac El Capitan is relatively straightforward process. By following these steps, you can set up a functional Linux environment and start exploring the world of Linux without affecting your Mac's native operating system. Happy computing!

Getting started a linux machine in virtualbox on a mac el capitan