That Windows OS boasts of over 90% of the Computer OS market share does not make it an all-purpose operating system. There times when you would want that special look and feel of Apple's Mac. And there are times when you need a free and open-source OS and are "dying to cut your teeth on an OS you can try to modify to your needs" [Linus Torvalds]. That is where Linux (a UNIX family OS) comes in.
Now, Ubuntu is a distribution of Linux, others include Google's Android, Debian,Fedora, etc. To install Linux (generally) on your machine, you are faced with three options, viz.- Fresh installation
- Dual boot
- Virtual Installation
- Live CD/DVD booting
In this post I will walk you through the processes of installing Linux on a Virtual machine i.e. on another OS (Windows). This option is suitable especially if you are a Windows addict or you want to try out Linux.Okay, enough of the talking, time for some actions.
Here is How to Install Ubuntu 14.04.2 LTS on VMware Player in Windows 7, 8 & 8.1
I have provided a video to go with this post, you should watch it though you can still do the installation without the video.
Requirements:
- Ubuntu iso image
- VMware Player
- More than 20GB HD space recommended
- 64-bits Windows OS
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The step is to download both Ubuntu iso image and VMware Player. For Ubuntu, download the 64-bits version, while you should download the windows version from the VMware Player download page. Note that you have to scroll to the bottom of the page before you can see the link to VMware Player; alternatively Ctrl+F "Player" (without quotes).2
The next step is to install the downloaded VMware Player. The installation is not rocket science, just follow the wizard. Only remember that the installation takes a couple of minutes.When you are done installing it, launch the program. You will be prompted to enter your email address, do so and continue it.
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Next, click on "Create a New Virtual Machine". You should see three radio options in the next window, select the second option (Install disc image file (iso)). Then browse to the previously downloaded Ubuntu iso file and open it.
Afterwards, select the third option (I will install the Operating System later) and click "Next".4
You should be prompted to select the guest OS (i.e. the one you want to install now) and the version. "Linux" and "Ubuntu 64-bits" should be the default options, but if it is not, select them.
You should also be prompted to edit the Virtual Machine name and location, do that and click "Next". The next window will prompt you to increase or decrease the size of the virtual hard disk, 20GB is the recommended, and you can still increase or decrease it. Optionally leave the two radio options the default and continue. The next window will display the details of the new Virtual machine, click "Finish".5
Now click on "Edit virtual machine settings". The hardware details of the virtual machine will be displayed but what we need here is the "CD/DVD (SATA)" tab. With that tab selected, browse to the Ubuntu iso file and open it as before and hit the "OK" button.6
Next, click on "Play virtual machine" to commence the Ubuntu pre-installation processes. Seconds after, you should be notified of the detected removable devices. Ok it.
Again, seconds after you will be prompted with a software update window. You have two options: one is to Download and Install while the other is Remind Me Later, the choice is yours.At this point, it is pertinent you know that the Ubuntu OS installation is not a two minute process, in other words it takes some time.7
After some time, you will be greeted with a Welcome Window. Here, select your language and hit the Install Ubuntu button.
In the next page, you should be prompted to install third-party software alongside Ubuntu. The choice is yours though I will advice that you leave the default option and continue.Now, you should be asked to select the installation type, please, also leave the default option (Erase disk and install Ubuntu), don't worry your hard disk won't be formatted.
Next, select your time zone, and continue.
Now, Select your keyboard layout and continue.
Next, fill out your profile with he required information and continue.
The installation proper should begin now. There is nothing you can do right now other than to read the slides on the installation page and sit tight for minutes to wait for the installation to be completed.
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Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart the system.
After the installation, enter your password and hit the Enter key.
Seconds afterwards, you will finally be greeted with the Ubuntu desktop.
To make the resolution full screen, you can go to System Settings > Displays. From the drop-list under Resolution, select your screen resolution and apply.
That,s all. Got any question?
