Oracle VM software help

[r1Ns3]

Hey everyone.

 

I just decided that I want to use Linux for a bit to see what it is like, if anyone can link me a guide to using the oracle VM software that would be awesome! I have a few questions:

 

1. For ram allocation, I have 16 GB, I am OK giving the VM machine 4 GB but will 4 GB of my ram be ALWAYS dedicated to the VM Machine even when it isn't running? Or will it only be allocated when I am running the VM?

 

2. Storage: I don't really have a lot of space on my SSD, only 60 GB left, I am OK giving it 20 GB but will this space be completely dedicated to the VM? can I set it so it only uses space if it needs to? I am not going to be installing anything heavy, I just want to see what linux is like for the first time and want to play with it for a while.

 

3. Any better software? is this VM I chose OK for what I want to do? Are there better free options? I don't want to crack software, I would rather not do that.

 

4. Do I need to already have Linux? Or does the oracle installer install the Linux stock for me? I am OK with stock Linux, if I want I might somehow try to install a distribution pack for it.

 

5. Is this safe? Will any of my files carry over to my main windows machine?

 

6. Does the VM have internet? I do have Wi-Fi properly configured on my main system, with a network card but I don't know if I will have to reinstall drivers for Linux and what not

 

7. Uninstall option? Is there a one click uninstall that frees up all my ram and storage that were used by the VM before? This is very important to me.

 

I know it's a big post but I have a lot of burning questions

 

 

Thanks in advance.

[Godlygamer23]

1.) From what I remember, it doesn't just take the RAM straight away. The program just sees the amount of RAM and "keeps it in mind." The RAM consumed will be fully cleared when you shut down the VM and close Virtualbox.

 

2.)Depends on how you set it up. There are two ways that you can set up the storage allocation. You can create a file that will only grow as you add data, which will never shrink even if data is technically "removed," or you can have the space dedicated straight away, but that takes time because it has to create the file to allocate all the space.

 

3.) Virtualbox should be fine, especially for people who are new at it. Spending money on a program that you don't necessarily intend to use for a while would be annoying IMO.

 

4.) You will need to install Linux. There are many versions available including Kubuntu, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Pear OS, etc.

 

5.) Your files are only seen by the VM. You can probably link your drives to the VM if desired, but by default, the VM can only access what in its "environment."

 

6.) You should have Internet.

 

7.) Yes. Creating a VM and then right-clicking on it should give you the option to remove everything about that VM. You're also given a choice as to where you want it to be stored. If you feel data is being left behind, you can check that location. Some of the data is also in the My Documents section.

[Gavriil]

1. Only If you've shutdown the vm, it will release the allocated ram. Example; save state isn't shutdown so it keeps the the ram allocated.

3. VMware player is the Free version of vmware workstation and is quite good to.

4. You will need to download a Linux .iso yourself and install it afterwards, though vmwareplayer has easy install which does the various installation steps for you.

6. The vm has an option that shares an active connection. (Enabled by default, no actions required)

Questions that aren't listed have already been thoroughly explained.

[r1Ns3]

1. Only If you've shutdown the vm, it will release the allocated ram. Example; save state isn't shutdown so it keepster the ram

3. VMware player is the Free version of vmware workstation and is quite good to.

4. You will need to download a Linux .iso yourself, though vmwareplayer has easy install which does the various installation steps for you.

6. The vm has an option that shares an active connection. (Enabled by default, no actions required)

Questions that aren't listed have already been thoroughly explained.

Sorry, should have marked this as solved, already have my 5 vms up and working thanks anyway tho.