How to Install a Virtual Machine on Your Personal Computer: Step-by-Step Guide Cisco Cybersecurity

Virtual machines (VMs) are a great way to run multiple operating systems on a single computer, test software in isolated environments, or experiment with different OS configurations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of installing a virtual machine on your personal computer.

Step 1: Choose a Virtualization Software

The first step is to choose a virtualization software that allows you to create and manage virtual machines. Some popular choices include:

• Oracle VirtualBox (Free and Open-Source)
• VMware Workstation Player (Free for personal use)
• Microsoft Hyper-V (Built into Windows Pro and Enterprise editions)

For this guide, we will use VirtualBox, as it is free and easy to use.

Step 2: Download and Install VirtualBox

1. Go to the VirtualBox official website.
2. Click on Downloads and select the version compatible with your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. Run the installer and follow the installation instructions.
4. Once installed, launch VirtualBox.

If you experience any error during the installation process like an alert message demanding to install Microsoft C++ 2019 Redistributable package before installing Virtualbox then head to the following website and download and install:

Save all files and restart the system for the new application to take effect.

Step 3: Download the Operating System (OS) ISO File or OVA file from CISCO netacad website:

To install an OS on your virtual machine, you need an ISO file of the operating system. Popular options include:

• Windows (Download from Microsoft)
• Ubuntu/Linux (Download from Ubuntu)
• macOS (If supported, available from Apple Developer)
• Download and install from : CISCO_Netacad

2.8Gb

2.8Gb

8.5Gb

Once you have downloaded the OVA files, then follow the steps below:

Your Virtual Machine is now ready!

Once the machine is booted you'll see 3 login ids for lab practice:

1. Cybersecurity Analyst / Support Technician (default)

Login : cisco

Pwd: password

2. SOC Analyst (CyberOps Associate)

Login: analyst

Pwd: cyberops

3. Security Engineer (Network Security)

Login: sec_admin

Pwd: net_secPW

Step 4: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox and click on New.
2. Enter a Name for your virtual machine (e.g., “Ubuntu VM”).
3. Select the Type (e.g., Linux, Windows, etc.).
4. Choose the Version based on your OS.
5. Click Next.

Step 5: Allocate System Resources

1. Memory Size: Allocate RAM (at least 2GB for Linux, 4GB+ for Windows).
2. Hard Disk: Select Create a virtual hard disk now and click Create.
3. Hard Disk Type: Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
4. Storage on Physical Disk: Choose Dynamically allocated.
5. Size: Set the disk size (at least 20GB recommended) and click Create.

Step 6: Install the Operating System

1. Select your newly created virtual machine and click Start.
2. When prompted, select the downloaded ISO file.
3. Follow the installation steps for the chosen OS.
4. Once installed, remove the ISO file from the virtual drive and reboot the VM.

Step 7: Install VirtualBox Guest Additions (Optional but Recommended)

1. Start your virtual machine.
2. Click Devices in the VirtualBox menu.
3. Select Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install additional drivers and features.

Step 8: Configure and Use Your Virtual Machine

• Adjust display settings, shared folders, and network configurations as needed.
• Take Snapshots before making major changes to your VM.
• Use Seamless Mode (in VirtualBox) to integrate the VM with your host OS.

Conclusion

Installing a virtual machine on your personal computer is a straightforward process that allows you to run multiple operating systems without modifying your main system. Whether for software testing, development, or simply exploring a new OS, VMs provide flexibility and security in a controlled environment.

Happy virtualizing!