Installing Ubuntu inside Windows XP using VirtualBox
The screenshots in this tutorial use Ubuntu 7.10 (which is no longer supported), but the same principles apply also to Ubuntu 8.04, 8.10, and 9.04. Actually, you can install pretty much any Linux distribution this way.
Introduction
VirtualBox allows you to run an entire operating system inside another operating system. Please be aware that you should have a minimum of 512 MB of RAM. 1 GB of RAM or more is recommended.
Comparison to Dual-Boot
Many websites (including the one you're reading) have tutorials on setting up dual-boots between Windows and Ubuntu. A dual-boot allows you, at boot time, to decide which operating system you want to use. Installing Ubuntu on a virtual machine inside of Windows has a lot advantages over a dual-boot (but also a few disadvantages).
The screenshots in this tutorial use Ubuntu 7.10 (which is no longer supported), but the same principles apply also to Ubuntu 8.04, 8.10, and 9.04. Actually, you can install pretty much any Linux distribution this way.
Introduction
VirtualBox allows you to run an entire operating system inside another operating system. Please be aware that you should have a minimum of 512 MB of RAM. 1 GB of RAM or more is recommended.
Comparison to Dual-Boot
Many websites (including the one you're reading) have tutorials on setting up dual-boots between Windows and Ubuntu. A dual-boot allows you, at boot time, to decide which operating system you want to use. Installing Ubuntu on a virtual machine inside of Windows has a lot advantages over a dual-boot (but also a few disadvantages).
