Virtualization is modern and practical. How much a virtual machine is better than a physical one for economic, technical or other reasons is a matter of the problem to be solved and the preferences of specialists. One thing is certain - this allows you to have on one physical computer a palette of opportunities for experimentation and the development of the main idea. The Extension Pack complements VirtualBox’s core functionality with popular devices, remote desktop access, and other features.
Task, virtuality and problem
Virtual machines are commonplace. As a rule, installation and use are not difficult. For example, how to install Extension Pack in VirtualBox?
The official link to the product description offers to download the keys, add the repository to the list of available resources and complete the installation.
After installing VirtualBox, the extensions are installed automatically. Two commands - and you can use the VirtualBox Extension Pack plugin. How to install and use the set of desired systems on the basis of this product is a more complicated question.
A completely similar situation on Windows and Mac platforms. The standard installation program does not require special knowledge. They are determined by the problem being solved.
The choice of 32 or 64 bits is a question of the recent past, but VirtualBox 64 bit has long been the standard. How to install is not a problem, how to use it is a problem of problems.
In the line of virtual machines, VirtualBox is considered easy to use and stable in operation. But this is an opinion, not an axiom. For example, Proxmox VE's virtuality is not much better (worse). It is noticeably different and may be more convenient in some applications.
The solution to "virtual problems"
Own server or a working computer with a set of virtual machines is an excellent solution of a fundamental nature. Private practice (specific task) dictates its conditions.
Windows has significant potential as a working environment. The Linux family is positioning itself on a server-wide range of tasks. Macintosh initially went a special way, and therefore in the administrative (system-applied) aspect of the problems of information processing did not differ much.
The choice of priority - Windows / Linux as the base system - is the topic of the task and competencies of the specialist. VirtualBox + Extension Pack is installed on the base system. How to install the necessary is discussed in the process.
When the topic of the problem being solved is complex, relevant, associated with the processing of large volumes of information, it is difficult to immediately determine what will be needed today and what will be needed tomorrow. Turning the virtual machine on / off is not a problem. Difficulty of choice:
- the main system in the bowels of which the project (task) will be created;
- additional virtuality.
Virtual machines are able to unite in networks and participate in other networks, including physical ones. They can go online and provide external hosting. The physical computer is no longer “inferior” to VirtualBox + Extension Pack: how to install the necessary virtuality and determine its appropriate functionality is a pre-task for the task at hand.
Fundamentality with dynamics
Regardless of the main application, the computer usually serves the host. The owner writes novels - you need an office suite, develops programs - you need a programming language compiler and editor, makes web resources - you need a LAMP suite. If the owner is engaged in topography, special software is needed ...
In all cases, a working computer (server) must have the fundamental functionality that its owner needs. That was yesterday.
Today, something else is relevant. The clouds and virtual services offered on the market are interesting, relevant and practical. Having a set of auxiliary virtual machines on your own computer is convenient, modern, and much more comfortable.
Fundamental Solution: VirtualBox + Extension Pack! How to install and configure a virtual environment efficiently and comfortably is a relevant issue today.