VirtualBox Cheat Sheet

VirtualBox is a powerful, open-source virtualization software that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. Here’s a cheat sheet with commands and tasks for VirtualBox:

Installation

Install VirtualBox (Linux):

sudo apt install virtualbox

Install VirtualBox (Windows/Mac):

  • Download the installer from the VirtualBox website and follow the installation instructions.

Basic VM Management

Create a VM:

  • Open VirtualBox, click “New,” and follow the wizard to create a new virtual machine.

Start VM:

  • Select a VM and click “Start” or use the command:
VBoxManage startvm "VM Name" --type headless

Shutdown VM:

  • Click “Close” on the VM window or use the command:
VBoxManage controlvm "VM Name" acpipowerbutton

Pause/Resume VM:

  • Click “Pause” or use the command:
VBoxManage controlvm "VM Name" pause

Take Snapshot:

  • Select a VM, go to “Machine” > “Take Snapshot,” or use the command:
VBoxManage snapshot "VM Name" take "Snapshot Name"

Command-Line Tools

List VMs:

VBoxManage list vms

List Running VMs:

VBoxManage list runningvms

Show VM Information:

VBoxManage showvminfo "VM Name"

Advanced Configuration

Modify VM Settings:

  • Right-click on a VM, select “Settings,” or use the command:
VBoxManage modifyvm "VM Name" --memory 2048

Clone VM

Right-click on a VM, select “Clone,” or use the command:

VBoxManage clonevm "Source VM Name" --name "New VM Name" --register

Export VM

Right-click on a VM, select “Export Appliance,” or use the command:

VBoxManage export "VM Name" -o output_file.ova

Networking

Attach VM to Host-Only Network:

  • Open VM settings > “Network” > Choose “Host-Only Adapter.”

Port Forwarding:

  • VM settings > “Network” > “Advanced” > “Port Forwarding.”

Command-Line VM Control (Windows/Linux)

Start VM:

VBoxManage startvm "VM Name" --type gui

Stop VM:

VBoxManage controlvm "VM Name" poweroff

Take Screenshot:

VBoxManage controlvm "VM Name" screenshotpng screenshot.png

Guest Additions

Install Guest Additions:

  • Insert Guest Additions CD from the VirtualBox menu in the VM window.

Command-Line Install (Linux):

sudo ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

This VirtualBox cheat sheet covers some fundamental tasks and commands. VirtualBox has extensive features, so refer to the official VirtualBox documentation for detailed information on specific topics.