How to Install Rocky Linux 9.5 on VirtualBox | Step-by-Step Tutorial

Rocky Linux 9.5 is a robust, open-source enterprise operating system that’s gaining popularity as a CentOS alternative. VirtualBox, a free and open-source virtualization tool, allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. This guide will walk you through how to install Rocky Linux 9.5 on VirtualBox, providing a safe environment to explore and test this powerful OS.

Prerequisites:

• VirtualBox: Ensure that VirtualBox is installed on your host machine. You can download it from the official website.
• Rocky Linux 9.5 ISO: Download the latest Rocky Linux 9.5 ISO file from the official Rocky Linux website.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Install Rocky Linux 9.5 on VirtualBox

Step 1: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox: Launch VirtualBox on your host system.
2. Create a New VM:
   • Click on “New” to create a new virtual machine.
   • Name the VM (e.g., “Rocky Linux 9.5”).
   • Set the Type to “Linux” and Version to “Red Hat (64-bit)”.
3. Allocate Memory:
   • Assign at least 2 GB (2048 MB) of RAM. For better performance, consider allocating more, depending on your host system’s capacity.
4. Create a Virtual Hard Disk:
   • Select “Create a virtual hard disk now” and click “Create”.
   • Choose “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” as the hard disk file type.
   • Opt for “Dynamically allocated” storage.
   • Set the disk size to at least 20 GB to accommodate the OS and future updates.

Step 2: Configure the Virtual Machine

1. Access Settings:
   • Select your newly created VM and click on “Settings”.
2. System Configuration:
   • Under the “System” tab, ensure that the “Floppy” boot option is unchecked, leaving “Optical” and “Hard Disk” checked.
3. Processor Allocation:
   • In the “Processor” tab, allocate at least 2 CPU cores for smoother performance.
4. Mount the ISO:
   • Navigate to the “Storage” tab.
   • Under “Controller: IDE”, click on the empty disk icon and then on the disk icon next to “Optical Drive” to choose a disk file.
   • Select the downloaded Rocky Linux 9.5 ISO file.
5. Network Configuration:
   • In the “Network” tab, ensure that “Adapter 1” is enabled and attached to “NAT” for internet connectivity.

Step 3: Install Rocky Linux 9.5

1. Start the VM:
   • Click “Start” to boot the VM.
   • The VM should boot from the mounted ISO, presenting the Rocky Linux installation menu.
2. Begin Installation:
   • Select “Install Rocky Linux 9.5” from the menu and press Enter.
3. Choose Language:
   • Select your preferred language and click “Continue”.
4. Installation Summary:
   • Keyboard: Verify or change the keyboard layout as needed.
   • Time & Date: Set your region and city for accurate timekeeping.
   • Installation Destination:
     • Select the virtual hard disk.
     • Choose “Automatic partitioning” unless you have specific partitioning requirements.
   • Network & Hostname:
     • Ensure the network interface is connected.
     • Set a hostname if desired.
5. Begin Installation:
   • Click “Begin Installation”.
   • While the installation proceeds, set the root password and create a user account.
6. Complete Installation:
   • Once the installation is complete, click “Reboot”.
   • Before rebooting, unmount the ISO to prevent booting from it again:
     • Go to “Devices” > “Optical Drives” > uncheck the Rocky Linux ISO.

Step 4: Post-Installation Setup

1. First Boot:
   • Log in with the user credentials you created during installation.
2. Update the System:
   • Open the terminal.
   • Execute the following commands to update all packages:
     sudo dnf update -y

3. Install Guest Additions (Optional):
   • To enhance the VM’s performance and enable features like clipboard sharing and better display resolution:
     • In VirtualBox, go to “Devices” > “Insert Guest Additions CD image”.
     • Mount the CD image if it doesn’t auto-mount:
       sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt

In this guide, we’ve provided a clear and concise walkthrough for installing Rocky Linux 9.5 on VirtualBox. By following these steps, you can easily install Rocky Linux 9.5 on VirtualBox and set up a stable and secure test environment to explore Rocky Linux features without affecting your primary system. Whether you’re a system administrator or a curious learner, this setup offers a safe and efficient way to familiarize yourself with this powerful enterprise OS. Start your journey today by learning how to install Rocky Linux 9.5 on VirtualBox and unlock the potential of this open-source platform!

FAQs for the Blog

1. What is Rocky Linux, and why should I use it?
   Rocky Linux is a free, open-source enterprise operating system designed as a CentOS replacement. It’s stable, secure, and suitable for server environments.
2. What are the system requirements for installing Rocky Linux on VirtualBox?
   You need at least 2 GB of RAM, 20 GB of disk space, and VirtualBox installed on your host machine.
3. Can I use Rocky Linux on VirtualBox for production purposes?
   VirtualBox is best suited for testing and development. For production, a physical or dedicated server is recommended.
4. How do I enable internet access in a VirtualBox VM?
   Ensure the network adapter is set to NAT or Bridged mode in the VirtualBox network settings.
5. Do I need to install Guest Additions on Rocky Linux?
   Guest Additions improve performance and add features like clipboard sharing and better display resolution, but they’re optional.

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