This is helpful when backing up a VM, testing different guest OS levels, and to play around with different VM configurations. Users can clone virtual machines through VirtualBox’s wizard. Snapshots can be created and deleted while the VM is up, making this feature an excellent alternative for system backup or disaster recovery. Take a virtual image of the current state of your system with a 'snapshot'. Other functionality includes 3D graphic virtualization, seamless windows, guest multiprocessing capabilities, full ACPI support, multiscreen resolutions, built-in iSCSI support, and PXE network reboot. VirtualBox allows simple USB device connection, a feature most other VM programs do not offer, though this feature has been found to have a low transfer rate. With VirtualBox, the process is seamless and integrated into its native environment. With other, large virtualization providers, the process to access your hard drive files within each VM you create is cumbersome. Diving into VirtualBox’s differentiators right away, the ability to access your files within any virtual machine you create is a huge advantage. Once you are up and running, easily install any operating system onto your first VM, running alongside your current OS. Installation and setup are quick and seamless. VirtualBox’s impressive feature set, unique capabilities, and open-source offering make it an attractive virtualization tool. Read on to check out VirtualBox’s features and discover if it’s a fit.Īn excellent open-source option for your VM needs You’re likely wondering if VirtualBox will meet your virtualization needs or if you will be forced to go to a paid tool. Individuals with a desire to run fewer physical hardware resources also benefit as they load their various systems onto a VirtualBox virtual machine. VirtualBox is an optimal tool for software vendors as well, giving them the ability to transport entire software configurations (called “appliances”). Run more than one OS simultaneously, without having to reboot to use each OS. Whether you’re a developer performing testing or just ramping up your experience with other operating systems, VirtualBox likely meets your needs. VirtualBox may be open-source, but with Oracle as its parent company, it has loads of support. VirtualBox is a free, open-source virtualization software allowing x86 virtualization. Whether you’re running multiple operating systems simultaneously, testing, utilizing snapshots for disaster recovery, or simply looking for infrastructure consolidation, having an ideal virtualization platform is critical. Virtualization is becoming more and more prevalent.

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