A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Debian 10 Buster in VirtualBox
Setting up a virtual machine is an excellent way to test new operating systems, create isolated development environments, or simply learn about Linux without altering your main computer. This guide will walk you through the complete process of installing Debian 10, codenamed “Buster,” inside Oracle VirtualBox, creating a stable and powerful virtual environment.
Prerequisites: What You’ll Need
Before we begin, make sure you have the following two components ready:
- Oracle VM VirtualBox: If you don’t already have it, download and install the latest version of VirtualBox for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Debian 10 “Buster” ISO Image: You will need the installation file for Debian. We recommend the
debian-10.x.x-amd64-netinst.isofile, which is a small initial download that fetches the rest of the packages from the internet during installation.
With these files downloaded, you’re ready to create your virtual machine.
Step 1: Creating the New Virtual Machine
First, we need to define the virtual hardware for our Debian system.
- Open VirtualBox and click the “New” button.
- In the “Create Virtual Machine” window, enter a descriptive name, such as “Debian 10 Buster.” VirtualBox will likely detect the OS automatically.
- Ensure the Type is set to Linux and the Version is set to Debian (64-bit).
- Memory Size: Allocate RAM for your VM. While the minimum is low, we recommend at least 2048 MB (2 GB) for a smooth experience with a graphical desktop.
- Hard Disk: Select “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click “Create.”
- For the hard disk file type, choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
- For storage type, select “Dynamically allocated.” This option is more space-efficient, as the virtual disk file will only grow as you add data to it.
- Set a suitable size for your virtual hard disk. A minimum of 20 GB is recommended to provide enough space for the OS and future applications.
After clicking “Create,” your virtual machine will appear in the main VirtualBox window, but it still needs a few configuration tweaks.
Step 2: Fine-Tuning Your VM Settings
For better performance and functionality, it’s wise to adjust a few settings before booting up for the first time. Select your new Debian VM from the list and click the “Settings” button.
- System > Processor: By default, the VM is assigned one CPU core. If your host computer has a multi-core processor, increase this to at least 2 CPUs for significantly improved responsiveness.
- Display > Screen: Boost the Video Memory to the maximum of 128 MB and ensure Enable 3D Acceleration is checked for better graphics performance.
- Storage: This is the most critical step. We need to attach the Debian ISO file to the virtual CD/DVD drive.
- In the “Storage Devices” list, click on the Empty optical drive icon.
- On the right-hand side, click the small disc icon and select “Choose a disk file…”
- Navigate to and select the Debian 10 ISO file you downloaded earlier.
Click “OK” to save your settings. Your virtual machine is now ready for the Debian installation.
Step 3: The Debian 10 Installation Process
With your VM configured, select it and click the “Start” button. The virtual machine will boot from the ISO file you attached, and the Debian installer will appear.
- Installation Mode: Using the arrow keys, select “Graphical install” and press Enter. This provides an easier, mouse-driven installation experience.
- Initial Setup: Proceed through the first few screens to select your preferred language, location, and keyboard layout.
- Network Configuration: The installer will configure the network. You will be asked to set a Hostname (the name of your computer on the network, e.g., “debian-vm”) and a Domain name (you can leave this blank).
- Users and Passwords:
- Set a Root Password: The “root” user is the superuser with complete administrative privileges. Set a strong, memorable password.
- Create a Standard User: For security, you should not use the root account for everyday tasks. Create a new user account with your full name, a username, and a strong password. This will be the account you log into.
- Partition Disks: For a standard installation in a new VM, the simplest option is the best.
- Choose “Guided – use entire disk.”
- Select the virtual disk you created (it should be the only option).
- Choose “All files in one partition (recommended for new users).”
- Finally, select “Finish partitioning and write changes to disk” and confirm “Yes” on the next screen to proceed.
- Software Selection: The installer will set up the base system and package manager. When prompted to select software, ensure that a desktop environment is selected.
- Debian desktop environment and GNOME are selected by default and are a great choice for a modern desktop.
- Ensure “standard system utilities” is also checked.
- Press “Continue” to download and install the selected software. This may take some time depending on your internet connection.
- Install the GRUB Boot Loader: When asked, choose “Yes” to install the GRUB boot loader to the master boot record. Select your virtual hard disk (usually
/dev/sda) as the installation device.
Once the installation is complete, the installer will prompt you to reboot. Click “Continue” and the virtual machine will restart.
Step 4: Post-Installation Essentials
After rebooting, you will be greeted by the Debian login screen. Log in with the standard user account you created during installation. There are two final, highly recommended steps.
Install VirtualBox Guest Additions
Guest Additions are essential drivers that dramatically improve the VM’s usability by enabling features like automatic screen resizing, a shared clipboard between your host and guest, and seamless mouse integration.
- From the VirtualBox menu at the top of the VM window, navigate to Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image…
- Open a Terminal in Debian and run the following commands to install the necessary build tools and kernel headers:
bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r)
- Run the Guest Additions installer script:
bash
sudo sh /media/cdrom0/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run
- Once the installation finishes, reboot your virtual machine for the changes to take effect.
Update Your System
Finally, it’s good practice to ensure all your system packages are up-to-date. Open a Terminal and run this command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Congratulations! You now have a fully functional, secure, and up-to-date Debian 10 Buster virtual machine ready for you to explore and use.
Source: https://kifarunix.com/install-debian-10-buster-on-virtualbox/
