How to install latest Bodhi Linux on Oracle virtualbox

Looking for a lightweight, elegant Linux distribution to run in a virtual environment? Bodhi Linux is a great pick—minimal, fast, and simple. Here’s a straightforward guide to getting the latest Bodhi Linux up and running in Oracle VirtualBox.

What You’ll Need

• Oracle VirtualBox installed (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• Latest Bodhi Linux ISO (Download here)
• At least 1GB RAM (2GB+ recommended) and 10GB free disk space for your virtual machine

Step 1: Download Bodhi Linux ISO

Go to the Bodhi Linux downloads page and grab the latest ISO. Choose the Standard Release unless you have specific needs (Legacy, AppPack, etc.).

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine in VirtualBox

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Name: Enter “Bodhi Linux”.
3. Type: Set to Linux.
4. Version: Choose Ubuntu (64-bit) (Bodhi is Ubuntu-based).
5. Click Next.

Step 3: Set VM Memory and Disk

• Memory: 2048MB (2GB) is safe, but Bodhi runs on less. Minimum 1024MB.
• Create a virtual hard disk now: Yes, click Create.
• VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image): Default, click Next.
• Dynamically allocated: Default, click Next.
• Disk size: At least 10GB, more if you plan to install extra software.

Click Create.

Need more space later? Check out this step-by-step guide on How to Enlarge a Virtual Machine’s Disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

Step 4: Attach the Bodhi Linux ISO

1. Select your new VM, click Settings.
2. Go to Storage.
3. Under Controller: IDE, click the empty CD icon.
4. On the right, click the CD icon and Choose a disk file….
5. Browse to your Bodhi Linux ISO and select it.
6. Click OK.

Step 5: Start the VM and Begin Installation

1. With the VM selected, click Start.
2. Bodhi Linux boots from the ISO. Select Install Bodhi Linux from the menu.
3. Follow the installer prompts:
   • Set your language, time zone, keyboard layout.
   • Partitioning: Use the entire virtual disk unless you want to customize.
   • Enter username and password.

Step 6: Remove ISO and Reboot

After installation finishes:

1. Shut down the VM.
2. Go to Settings > Storage and remove the ISO from the virtual drive.
3. Start the VM again—now it boots from the virtual hard disk.

Step 7: (Optional) Install VirtualBox Guest Additions

This step helps with better screen resolution and performance.

1. With Bodhi running, in VirtualBox menu: Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image.
2. Open a terminal in Bodhi.
3. Run:
   sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)
4. In the Bodhi file manager, open the “VBox_GAs…” CD and run VBoxLinuxAdditions.run as root:
   sudo sh /media/username/VBox_GAs*/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
5. Reboot the VM.

Want full-screen mode? Here’s a clear walkthrough on How to Make Ubuntu Full Screen on VirtualBox in Windows 10 and Windows 11. The steps are the same for Bodhi Linux.

Done! You’re Ready to Go

You now have the latest Bodhi Linux running smoothly in Oracle VirtualBox. Explore, customize, and enjoy your lightweight Linux desktop.

Questions? Drop them in the comments below and I’ll help out.

Tip: For best performance, allocate more RAM or enable 2D/3D acceleration in VirtualBox’s settings if your host system allows it.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!