Oracle_VM_VirtualBox
Oracle_VM_VirtualBox, commonly known as VirtualBox, is a virtualization product developed by Oracle Corporation. It allows users to set up and run multiple operating systems on a single physical computer as virtual machines (VMs).
History
- Inception: VirtualBox was initially developed by InnoTek GmbH, a German company, which was later acquired by Sun Microsystems in 2008.
- Acquisition by Oracle: In 2010, Oracle Corporation acquired Sun Microsystems, thereby taking over the development and distribution of VirtualBox.
- Open Source: VirtualBox has an open-source edition, known as VirtualBox Open Source Edition (OSE), which is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2. However, the full product includes closed-source components under the VirtualBox Personal Use and Evaluation License (PUEL).
Features
- Virtualization: Supports the creation and management of virtual machines for a wide array of guest operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and Solaris.
- Hardware Support: Emulates hardware devices such as graphics cards, sound cards, and USB controllers, providing a near-native experience for the guest OS.
- Virtual Networking: Offers various networking modes like NAT, bridged networking, and internal networking to connect VMs with the host and other VMs.
- Snapshots: Allows users to save the state of a VM at any point, making it possible to revert to previous states or test different configurations.
- VirtualBox Guest Additions: A set of utilities that improve performance and usability between host and guest OSes, including shared folders, seamless windows, and better graphics support.
- Remote Display Protocol (RDP): Users can connect to their VMs remotely.
- Extensibility: Supports the use of plug-ins and extensions to enhance functionality.
Usage
VirtualBox is widely used for:
- Software developers testing applications in different environments.
- IT professionals for testing and deploying software.
- Home users wanting to run multiple operating systems or legacy software.
- Educational purposes to teach about different operating systems.
Platforms Supported
VirtualBox is available for:
- Windows hosts
- Linux hosts
- macOS hosts
- Solaris hosts
Community and Development
Oracle_VM_VirtualBox has an active community of users and contributors:
- Regular updates are released, addressing security issues, adding features, and improving performance.
- Community forums and mailing lists facilitate user support and development discussions.
External Links
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