The Virtual Machine

To make everything simple we have created a virtual machine for you to do all of your development on. This way you don't have to worry about environmental complexities. Also if you make a mistake you can revert to a snapshot.

If you have any problems please see these guides before contacting the TA or professor.

• Installing
  • https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch01.html#intro-installing
• Using Virtualbox
  • https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch01.html#idm267
• Importing VM
  • https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch01.html#ovf
• Running VM
  • https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch01.html#idm360
• Snapshots
  • https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch01.html#snapshots

Virtualbox

We will be using Virtualbox as that hypervisor. It is free, open source and cross platform.

Installation

These instructions should be about the same for all Operating System.

1. Go to https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads here you will find the download for your computer.
   
2. Download the hosts for your computer. (If you are using linux then i trust you can do this on your own if not contact Brad)
3. One you have downloaded Virtualbox go through the install process. For windows it will be like any other software install.
4. Now go back to the site where you downloaded Virtualbox and download the extension pack. Click on the "All supported platforms" link.
5. Click on the file you just downloaded, Virtualbox should open it and install it.

Getting the Virtual image

Need link to get the virtual image

Importing the VM

1. Open Virtualbox
2. Go to File>Import Appliance
3. In the top of the window, click on the small folder that is to the right
4. Find and select the class image you downloaded
5. Once selected the image should show its setting in the list below the "Appliance to import" box
6. Click "Import" at the bottom of the screen

Running the VM

1. Start Virtualbox
2. In the left column select the "csci740" VM
3. Click the big green arrow to start the VM
4. Please note any messages that appear in the top of the VM about mouse and keyboard capture

Creating Snapshots

With snapshots, you can save a particular state of a virtual machine for later use. At any later time, you can revert to that state, even though you may have changed the VM considerably since then.

Note: these snapshots can be very large, be aware they will take up lots of hard drive space. (should explain using an external drive)