Oracle Linux Installation on Virtualbox: Step By Step

If you’re looking to get hands-on with Oracle Linux for development, testing, or learning, installing it on Oracle VM VirtualBox is a smart move. This guide walks you through the entire setup from scratch—no fluff, just the steps that matter.

What You’ll Need

• Oracle VM VirtualBox (installed on your host OS—Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• Oracle Linux ISO image (download it from Oracle’s official site)

Step 1: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click New.
2. Give your VM a name (e.g., OracleLinux8) and set:
   • Type: Linux
   • Version: Oracle (64-bit)
3. Click Next.

Step 2: Set Memory Size

Allocate at least 2 GB (2048 MB) of RAM. More is better if your system can handle it.

Step 3: Create a Virtual Hard Disk

1. Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click Create.
2. Select VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
3. Use Dynamically allocated storage.
4. Set disk size (at least 20 GB recommended).

💡 Need more space later? Check out this guide on how to enlarge a virtual machine’s disk in VirtualBox or VMware.

Step 4: Mount the Oracle Linux ISO

1. Go to Settings > Storage.
2. Under Controller: IDE, click the empty disk icon.
3. On the right, click the disk dropdown and choose “Choose a disk file”.
4. Select your downloaded Oracle Linux ISO.

Step 5: Configure Network (Optional but Recommended)

1. Go to Settings > Network.
2. Set Attached to: Bridged Adapter or NAT depending on your need.

Step 6: Start the VM and Begin Installation

1. Click Start to boot up your VM.
2. The installer will launch from the ISO.
3. Choose “Install Oracle Linux” and press Enter.

Step 7: Go Through the Installer

1. Language: Select your language and click Continue.
2. Installation Destination: Pick the default disk and click Done.
3. Network & Host Name: Enable network if needed, and set hostname.
4. Software Selection: Pick Server with GUI or Minimal Install, depending on what you need.

Click Begin Installation.

Step 8: Set Root Password and User

During installation:

• Set the root password.
• Create a new user with admin rights (optional but good practice).

Step 9: Finish Installation

When done:

1. Click Reboot.
2. If prompted, remove the ISO (go to Devices > Optical Drives > Remove Disk).
3. Log in with the user you created.

Step 10: Update and Customize

Once booted:

sudo dnf update -y

Install additional packages as needed:

sudo dnf install vim git wget -y

Done!

You’ve now got Oracle Linux running on VirtualBox. Use it to build, break, and test anything without risking your main system. Bookmark this post for reference—and if something breaks, that’s part of the fun. Snapshot early, snapshot often.

Got questions or want a follow-up guide on installing Guest Additions or setting up a development stack? Drop a comment below.