VirtualBox

Overview

Oracle VM VirtualBox is a free, open source (GPL v3) virtualization software launched in 2007 that supports multiple operating systems running as virtual machines on Windows, macOS, Linux, and other hosts. It supports a variety of guests and is ideal for testing and development.

History and Development

Founded: Founded by InnoTek in 2007, acquired by Sun in 2008, and acquired by Oracle in 2010.

Important Milestones:

• 2007: VirtualBox OSE is released under the GPL v2 agreement.
• 2012: Version 4.2 uses the Open Watcom compiler (non-free).
• 2023: Version 7.0 adds virtual machine encryption and improves the GUI.
• 2024: Version 7.1.0 updates the UI and adds IPv6 NAT.
• 2025: Version 7.1.4 improves Arm support.

Status: Oracle maintained, source code from virtualbox.org.

Main Features

• Cross-platform: Host supports Windows, macOS, and Linux; Guest supports Windows, Linux, and macOS (partial support).
• Graphical User Interface: VirtualBox Manager for easy management of virtual machines.
• Command Line Interface (VBoxManage): Automation and headless control.
• Guest Extensions: Enhanced guest performance and graphics capabilities.
• Extension Pack: Proprietary USB 3.0, VRDE, and encryption.
• Remote Desktop (VRDE): RDP-based remote access.
• Snapshot: Save virtual machine state for rollback.
• Networking: NAT, bridged, and host-only modes.
• Video Capture: Record virtual machine sessions.
• SDK: API for integration.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Free open source base (GPL v3).
• Cross-platform support.
• User-friendly GUI, flexible CLI.
• Snapshots for security testing.
• Strong community and documentation.

Limitations

• Proprietary extension pack for commercial use.
• Slower performance than VMware.
• No support for x86 guests on Arm hosts.
• macOS guests limited to Apple hardware.
• Non-free BIOS compiler.
• No support for 3D acceleration for older Windows guests.

Summary

VirtualBox is a versatile virtualization tool that can run multiple operating systems. Its open source base, GUI, and snapshots enhance the development experience, but proprietary components and performance issues also present some disadvantages.