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====== Installing a Virtual Linux Machine in VirtualBox ======

(2020-04-21)

===== Installation Instructions for Students =====


  - Install **[[https://www.virtualbox.org/|Oracle VirtualBox]]** on your Computer.
  - Download the current Ubuntu Image from **[[linux_vm:2020-04-19_v002:start#download_binary_image_from_ftp_server|here]]**. \\ :!: Notice username and password given  **[[linux_vm:2020-04-19_v002:start#download_binary_image_from_ftp_server|here]]**.
  - Run VirtualBox and import the downloaded image into VirtualBox.
  - In VirtualBox adjust reserved memory (RAM) and graphics memory for the VM.
  - Start the imported image.
  - Log in with the credentials given **[[linux_vm:2020-04-19_v002:start#download_binary_image_from_ftp_server|here]]**.
  - Explore your new virtual Linux computer.


===== Current Image: Ubuntu 18.04, SciProg, AMC, V002 =====

Ubuntu 18.04 Desktop Image to support the courses **Scientific Programming** (SciProg) and **Applied Measurement and Control** (AMC) of the 'Environment and Energy' study program at the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Maintained by R. Becker (2020-04-18)

Most significant features installed:

^ Feature                    ^  for SciProg  ^  for AMC  ^
| Anaconda3 Python Suite     |  x            |           |
| Arduino IDE                |               |  x        |
| Thonny Phython Editor      |               |  x        |
| git client                 |  x            |  x        |
| US and DE keyboard layout  |  x            |  x        |


** For a detailed description go here: [[.:2020-04-19_v002:start]] **

===== Other Setups =====

[[.:common:start|initial approach]] (outdated)

===== FAQ =====

==== 1. Why are we doing it? ====
The computers of the students with their operating systems (OS) are usually very heterogeneous. Some students use Windows with different versions, licenses and language options, others use Mac and a few Linux. Throughout the last semesters we spent a considerable amount of time fixing annoying problems related to different software installations. As a consequence for this semester (SS2020) we will try for the first time to use virtual machines running on your operating systems. 

:!: The advantage is that all students will be **using the same (virtual) operating system** with the same software packages and the same configuration! This makes support much easier.


==== 2. What is a Virtual Machine? ====
To put it very simply: A Virtual machine (VM) is a virtual 'computer' running in a window of the host computer. Example: Ubuntu Linux VM running on a Windows 10 host operating system or Debian Linux VM running on Mac OS, etc.

==== 3. Which VM are we using? ====
We will set up a Linux VM with Ubuntu 18.04 LTS. It is a wide spread open source OS, very stable, clearly manageable, well supported and extremely transparent.

:!: We prepared our own Linux VM image with the most important **software components for AMC and SciProg pre-installed**! Everything needed is in already in the VM!

==== 4. What is needed? ====
On your computers you have to install VirtualBox from Oracle for your particular operating system. VirtualBox is available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Yes, you can run a virtual Linux machine even on a Linux machine. You should do it to acquire the same state of software installation in the VM! 

==== 5. How to activate VT-x in the Bios of my Computer ====
(Thank you, Marla, for your support!)

Problem: \\
When you start VirtualBox on a Windows host sometimes the following error message comes up:

[{{:linux_vm:vt-x_error.jpg?direct&400|Fig.: Error, VT-x in Bios disabled (click on the image to enlarge) \\ Screenshot: Marla Baker}}] //


Solution: \\
Have a look at this Youtube video: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOuTxfzCvMY|How to enable Virtualization (VT-x) in Bios Windows 10]]