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Ryan Carter

Learn the basic concepts, tools, and functions that you will need to run Windows, Mac, and Linux on your current computer with the popular virtualization application, VirtualBox.

Learn to use VirtualBox for iOS development or testing with this tutorial for beginners.

Read more

Learn the basic concepts, tools, and functions that you will need to run Windows, Mac, and Linux on your current computer with the popular virtualization application, VirtualBox.

Learn to use VirtualBox for iOS development or testing with this tutorial for beginners.

  • VirtualBox installation and setup
  • Optimization and best options for each operating system you will run (and some older ones too)
  • Install Windows 7,8,8.1, 10, and XP
  • Install Mac OS X Mavericks (El Capitan will be uploaded soon)
  • Install the latest version of Ubuntu Linux (14.04) and any other Linux variant
  • Fixing common networking problems
  • Learn how to share folders between the host and the guest
  • Setup XCode & Swift on your virtual environment to develop iOS apps on Windows or Linux
  • Save yourself tons of money on a new Mac
  • Save yourself time trying random ideas from YouTube that don't work

Powerful Skills You'll Need on the Job

Many development and IT jobs require that you understand virtualization, from DevOps to programming to IT/Help-Desk. Learning VirtualBox will give you a strong background in how virtualization works and what you can do with it. I've heard from many students that they find this course helpful for practicing their skills when taking the Microsoft Certification Exams for

Content and Overview

Suitable for beginners, through this course of 28 lectures and 2+ hours of content (more being filmed right now), you’ll learn all of the VirtualBox fundamentals and establish a strong understanding of the concept behind virtualization. Each chapter focuses on a specific use case for virtual computing allowing you to put your new learned skills into practical use immediately.

Starting with the installation of the latest version of VirtualBox, this course will take you through all the pertinent details of the program, and help you get setup correctly the first time.

Students completing the course will have the knowledge to create a number of virtual computers to use however you see fit. Typical uses are to develop iOS or android applications on Mac OS X, Learn Linux (Ubuntu and other versions), test websites and other applications, as well as run old software on outdated operating systems.

You’ll be able to work alongside the instructor as you work through each concept, and will receive a verifiable certificate of completion upon finishing the course.

What am I going to get from this course?

  • Over 28 lectures and 2+ hours of content. (more in the works)
  • Learn VirtualBox from a professional trainer from your own desk.
  • Suitable for beginners and ideal for users who learn faster by doing.
  • Visual training method, offering users increased retention and accelerated learning.
  • An active connected instructor who will assist you with anything you need.
  • All discussion posts answered within 24 hours, most within a few hours.

Here's what others have said about this course" I have tried many vm tutorials and yours is the only one that works." - Will

"The course is very straight forward, short, fun and Ryan is a great instructor, taking care of any questions you might have." - Gabriel

Over 4000 students have already taken this course with many 5-star reviews. Why?

The most important thing you can get in a course is an instructor that cares about what you need and will help you get it. Until you have the support of someone who has been through what you're attempting, that will show you the steps you need to take in order you aren't going to get anywhere.

Mac OS X Mavericks & Xcode (including Swift)

  • Learn to install Mac OS X Mavericks on a Windows computer
  • Learn to install Xcode 6 and Swift on a Windows computer (using a Virtual Machine)
  • Learn to fix the display resolution on Mavericks for best results
  • Finally mobile app developers can develop Android and iOS apps on the same computer without paying a ton of money for two computers. No more being locked into one operating system.

This course contains 2+ hours of HD video lectures on how to get the most out of VirtualBox. including all the details on fixes and best practices you'll need to run any operating system you want without buying an expensive computer to do it. You really have nothing to lose. Enroll today and get started with VirtualBox. Don't spend $1000 or more on a new computer without at least trying this method first.

This course is so popular because it can potentially save you $1000 or more on buying a new computer to be able to do iOS development on Windows, install Linux, or Mac.

5-Star Instructor Support

I personally assist every student with any issues that come up. If you aren't satisfied for any reason, you have Udemy's 30 day money back guarantee, no joke. I want you to succeed, so I am here to help with anything you need, and if I can't help you then there is no reason to be stuck with this course. Reaching your goals and learning new skills is what really matters.

Enroll Today. Thank You.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Install mac os x and xcode on a windows computer (with virtualbox)
  • Run other operating systems safely on your current computer
  • Setup another operating system without having to dual-boot
  • Setup a test environment to practice for microsoft certification exams

Syllabus

Know what to expect from this course and what you'll learn

Meet your instructor. You will be able to tell if you should listen to me or not. I hope.

Read more

Learn what to expect in this course. Apparently you're expecting mind babies. Also, learn how to get help if you have issues.

Discover what you will learn in this course...how to run other operating systems on your computer, without having to buy a new computer just to try it out. How to leave reviews, but more importantly how to help me make sure you have a 5-star experience before you do.

Downloading and installing VirtualBox, which will allow you to run other operating systems on your computer in their own window.

Create a virtual machine with the correct specs for WIndows XP

Create a virtual machine with the correct settings for Windows 7, 8, or 8.1

Section summary

Ubuntu is a version of Linux, the most popular. Learn how to install it on Virtual Box, screen by screen.

The process is no different than for Windows XP, except the screens look different and the options may vary, however Virtual Box handles them the same way.

Install Windows XP or any other version. The process is the same. Many businesses still use XP for their computers, so it is good to cover the oldest one in case it is being used.

Installing WIndows XP continued. This part handles the settings and starting configuration.

Section Summary

Learn how to speed up VirtualBox instances which can be slow from time to time depending on the computer you're hosting it on.

Learn to install Guest Additions, a VirtualBox provided addon for Windows, Linux, Mac, and a few others. This neat little software package almost installs itself from the devices menu, and helps with auto login, screen resizing when you drag the window larger, and a few other integrations that help things work smoother between host and guest. Including mouse integration without having to hit a hotkey to do it. Very useful.

VirtualBox shared folders (or passthrough folders) are great for using downloaded software on the guest, through the host computer, making it easy to get needed updates and programs to the guest without having to surf the web on the smaller screen within. Viola, computer-ception.

Learn to setup Windows XP's network settings correctly, as the default will likely cause an issue for most users. Helpful tips here.

For WIndows XP to be of any use, you'll need to install Service Pack 3, which is a needed update for many applications to run on the outdated operating system. If you're doing browser testing, you will likely want to know how to get the somewhat mislabeled IE8 package to download and install.

These tips will help you get the most out of this course and VirtualBox, but only what you remember of course.

A final summary of the learning that was in this course. I hope you've enjoyed this course. Onward to the next!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a strong foundation in virtualization concepts, which are increasingly important in DevOps, programming, and IT/Help-Desk roles, making it relevant for career advancement
Enables the setup of Xcode and Swift in a virtual environment, allowing mobile app development on Windows or Linux, potentially saving money on Apple hardware
Offers a practical environment for practicing skills relevant to Microsoft Certification Exams, which can be helpful for exam preparation and skill reinforcement
Covers the installation of older operating systems like Windows XP, which is useful for running legacy software or testing applications in older environments
Teaches how to install various operating systems, including Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, XP, Mac OS X Mavericks, and Ubuntu Linux, allowing experimentation without dual-booting
Focuses on VirtualBox, which may not be the only virtualization software available, so learners may need to adapt their skills to other platforms like VMware or Parallels

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Run multiple os with virtualbox

According to learners, this course provides a practical, step-by-step guide to setting up Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems using VirtualBox. Many highlight the specific instructions for installing Mac OS X on Windows as particularly useful and a major selling point, especially for developers aiming to save money on hardware for iOS development. The instructor is frequently praised for being responsive and helpful in addressing technical issues. While setting up virtual machines can sometimes involve unexpected technical hiccups, students generally find the course provides the necessary guidance to troubleshoot.
Core concepts remain useful despite some older OS versions.
"While some of the specific OS versions covered might be older, the VirtualBox setup process is still highly relevant."
"The fundamental principles of virtualization taught apply to newer operating systems as well."
"I found the techniques useful even though I was installing a later version of Linux."
Helps avoid expensive hardware purchases.
"This course saved me from buying a new Mac just to develop iOS apps. Huge value!"
"Learning to virtualize effectively means I don't need multiple physical computers for different tasks."
"Great way to experiment with different OS without investing in new machines."
Strong focus on installing macOS on Windows.
"The segment on installing Mac OS X on Windows was the main reason I took this course, and it delivered."
"Finally, a clear guide on getting a Mac VM working on my PC for testing purposes."
"Being able to run Mac OS X without buying a dedicated Mac is a huge benefit taught here."
Instructor is very helpful and active.
"The instructor is super responsive and helped me work through an issue I was having within hours."
"Ryan answers questions quickly and provides detailed support, which makes a big difference."
"I appreciate how involved the instructor is in the discussion forums."
Provides clear steps for installing multiple OS.
"The course walks you through installing Windows, Linux, and even Mac OS X on a Windows computer step-by-step."
"I followed the instructions and was able to get Ubuntu up and running on my machine with no problem."
"Everything is explained clearly, making it easy to set up different virtual machines."
Some users encounter setup or performance issues.
"Getting everything to work perfectly can sometimes require a bit of troubleshooting beyond the core lectures."
"I struggled with network settings initially, but the instructor helped me figure it out."
"Performance in the VMs can sometimes be slow depending on your host hardware..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Save on a Computer: Run Windows, Mac, & Linux w/ VirtualBox with these activities:
Review Operating System Fundamentals
Reviewing fundamental OS concepts will help you understand how VirtualBox interacts with the host and guest operating systems.
Browse courses on Operating Systems
Show steps
  • Read articles on OS architecture and key components.
  • Watch videos explaining process management and memory allocation.
  • Take a practice quiz on OS fundamentals.
Linux Bible
Familiarizing yourself with Linux will be helpful if you plan to run Linux distributions in VirtualBox.
View Linux Bible on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on basic Linux commands.
  • Practice using the command line in a Linux VM.
  • Explore different Linux distributions.
Mastering VirtualBox
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of VirtualBox's capabilities and help you troubleshoot common issues.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on networking and shared folders.
  • Experiment with different VirtualBox settings.
  • Try the scripting examples to automate VM tasks.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Virtual Network Configuration Exercises
Practicing different virtual network configurations will improve your understanding of networking in VirtualBox.
Show steps
  • Set up bridged networking for internet access.
  • Configure host-only networking for isolated VMs.
  • Experiment with port forwarding to access services.
Blog Post: VirtualBox Troubleshooting
Writing a blog post about common VirtualBox issues and solutions will solidify your knowledge and help others.
Show steps
  • Identify common VirtualBox problems.
  • Research solutions and document the steps.
  • Write a clear and concise blog post.
  • Include screenshots and code snippets.
Automated VM Setup Script
Creating a script to automate VM setup will reinforce your understanding of VirtualBox configuration and scripting.
Show steps
  • Research VirtualBox command-line interface (VBoxManage).
  • Write a script to create a new VM with specific settings.
  • Add steps to install a guest OS automatically.
  • Test the script with different OS images.
VirtualBox Setup Guide for iOS Development
Creating a detailed guide for setting up VirtualBox for iOS development will help solidify your understanding of the process and benefit other learners.
Show steps
  • Document the steps for installing macOS in VirtualBox.
  • Explain how to install Xcode and configure it properly.
  • Include troubleshooting tips for common issues.
  • Create a PDF or online document with clear instructions.

Career center

Learners who complete Save on a Computer: Run Windows, Mac, & Linux w/ VirtualBox will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Systems Administrator
A systems administrator is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, especially multi-user computers, and servers. This course may be useful for aspiring systems administrators seeking to understand how virtualization works. It provides practical experience in setting up and managing virtual machines using VirtualBox. Experience with VirtualBox allows a systems administrator to test and deploy various operating systems in a controlled environment, which is useful for a job that requires a broad understanding of Windows, Mac and Linux, and how they interact. This course helps build a foundation for a complex job.
Mobile Application Developer
A mobile application developer creates applications for mobile devices, and many mobile application developers may find this course beneficial due to its coverage on setting up iOS development on Windows or Linux using VirtualBox. A mobile application developer can use this knowledge to create a development environment and test on multiple platforms without investing in multiple computers. This practical skill in using VirtualBox may help them test their applications on both the iOS and Android platforms. This course is useful for anyone interested in learning to develop applications across various platforms.
Technical Trainer
A technical trainer delivers instruction on technical topics to students and employees. This course is useful for a technical trainer because it provides a practical understanding of virtualization technologies, which is crucial for teaching others how to use virtual machines. A technical trainer can leverage the knowledge of VirtualBox gained in this course to train others on setting up virtual machines, installing operating systems, and understanding virtualization. This course may help them build a foundation for delivering training effectively, especially considering that the course is created with effective teaching methods.
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps engineer works to automate and streamline software development processes and infrastructure management. This role often requires deep knowledge of virtualization, making this course useful. This course helps build a foundation for DevOps by providing hands-on experience with VirtualBox. It allows a DevOps engineer to gain experience working with virtual machines and helps them understand the nuances of setting up various operating systems in a virtual environment. This virtualization experience will help them streamline workflows and improve their ability to work with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux within development environments. It is also useful in setting up and managing test environments.
Instructor
An instructor teaches courses to students in an academic setting. This course is useful for an instructor as it can help them gain expertise in a specific technology, such as VirtualBox, and it models an effective teaching style. An instructor can use the knowledge gained from this course to teach others about virtualization or incorporate virtual machines into their curriculum. This course helps instructors understand the fundamentals of creating a well-structured course with supportive teaching. In addition, it helps instructors understand how to use the technology in an educational setting.
IT Support Specialist
An IT support specialist provides technical assistance to users, troubleshooting computer and software issues. This course is helpful for an IT support specialist since it teaches them how to install and configure multiple operating systems using VirtualBox. An IT support specialist can troubleshoot software and compatibility issues using virtual machines. They can also practice problem-solving in a safe environment. This course may help an IT support specialist build a foundation for troubleshooting various system configurations. It may be helpful because it teaches users how to deal with common networking and compatibility problems.
Network Engineer
A network engineer plans, implements, and maintains an organization's computer networks. This course may be useful for a network engineer due to its coverage of networking problems that can occur with virtual machines. A network engineer uses virtualization when setting up isolated environments for testing networking configurations. This course helps them configure network settings in VirtualBox, as well as troubleshoot common networking issues. This practical experience helps network engineers build a foundation for resolving networking issues and understanding how virtual networks operate.
Help Desk Technician
A help desk technician provides first-line support to computer users, addressing their technical issues. This course may be useful for a help desk technician since it equips them with the skills to troubleshoot a range of operating systems using VirtualBox. Help desk technicians can use the experience of setting up and managing virtual machines to understand user issues. They would also have practical knowledge of setting up Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, which is often part of their daily routine. This course helps build a foundation for troubleshooting common problems across different operating systems, and is helpful in learning virtual machine setup.
Cloud Engineer
A cloud engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of cloud computing environments. This course may be useful for a cloud engineer since it helps build a foundation for understanding virtualization. Since cloud computing often uses virtualization, a cloud engineer who understands operating systems virtualization can better manage cloud resources, set up test environments, and manage different virtual machines. This course may be useful in providing experience with creating and managing virtual machine environments, which is a skill applicable to cloud management.
Quality Assurance Analyst
A quality assurance analyst is responsible for testing software and systems to ensure they meet quality standards. This course may be helpful for a quality assurance analyst, as it teaches the basics of creating virtual test environments. A quality assurance analyst can use VirtualBox to simulate different operating systems and configurations, which is useful for testing application compatibility. Additionally, an understanding of virtualization helps build a foundation for identifying bugs and ensuring that applications perform as intended across different platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux. This course may help them test in various settings, without the need to set up multiple computers.
Software Developer
Software developers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of software applications. A software developer might find this course helpful, as it provides the skills necessary to create virtual development environments. This course helps developers learn how to setup environments for developing applications in various operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. In addition, it teaches developers how to set up cross-platform development such as creating iOS applications on Windows.. Using VirtualBox, software developers can test apps in different operating systems, which is essential for quality control and building cross-platform applications. This course may be helpful in laying the foundation for application testing and deployment strategies.
IT Consultant
An IT consultant advises clients on the best use of technology to achieve their business goals. This course may be useful for an IT consultant because it gives them a practical understanding of virtualization, a common area of advice for various clients. This consultant can use the acquired knowledge of using VirtualBox on different operating systems to recommend solutions to clients. This course may help an IT consultant provide more comprehensive advice on setting up virtual environments for development, testing, or general use, and will help them provide solutions to diverse needs of clients.
Information Security Analyst
An information security analyst protects computer systems and networks from cyber threats. This course may be useful for an information security analyst, as it teaches the basics of running operating systems in controlled, virtual environments. An information security analyst may wish to use VirtualBox in order to test software safely in an environment that will not jeopardize the integrity of other systems. This course helps them implement a safer strategy for testing, and helps build a foundation for understanding how different operating systems may respond to security threats. It provides practical knowledge for implementing more robust security measures.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation for software, hardware, and other technical products. A technical writer may find this course useful because it provides hands-on experience with virtualization. This experience will help a technical writer understand how to use VirtualBox. A technical writer can write more accurate and comprehensive documentation for tools using VirtualBox and creating virtual machines, which is useful if they need to write manuals or guides for users. This course helps them gain practical knowledge, and therefore create user-friendly and accurate technical documents.
Embedded Systems Engineer
An embedded systems engineer designs and develops software for embedded systems, often requiring knowledge of hardware and software integration. An embedded systems engineer may find this course helpful, as it helps them understand the concept of system virtualization using tools like VirtualBox. This course teaches users how to work with different operating systems in a virtual environment, which is important in building embedded systems for cross-platform compatibility. This course helps build a foundation for understanding how software interacts with hardware at a low-level. It also may provide insights into system compatibility on diverse platforms that are critical to embedded system development.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Save on a Computer: Run Windows, Mac, & Linux w/ VirtualBox.
Provides a comprehensive guide to using VirtualBox, covering advanced topics such as networking, scripting, and automation. It is particularly useful for users who want to go beyond the basics and customize their virtual machines. This book valuable reference for troubleshooting and optimizing VirtualBox performance.
The Linux Bible comprehensive guide to using the Linux operating system. It covers everything from basic commands to advanced system administration tasks. is particularly useful for users who are new to Linux and want to learn how to use it effectively within a VirtualBox environment. It provides a solid foundation for understanding Linux concepts and troubleshooting common issues.

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