Virtualization - eWeek

Virtualization: Sun xVM VirtualBox 2.2 Is a Tempting Alternative to VMware Fare


The no-cost Sun xVM VirtualBox tool is a good system for putting multiple virtual machines on a desktop or notebook system for developers and other IT pros. New in this version is the ability to export and import virtual appliances that are built to the Open Virtualization Format specification, networking features that make it easier to configure guests to communicate with each other while limiting contact with the outside world, and graphics enhancements and access to 3D hardware acceleration. As a challenger to VMware's Workstation (and to the no-cost VMware Server product), the new version of VirtualBox is an even more tempting alternative for cash-strapped IT users. However, the tool does lack the management capabilities and finesse of kingpin VMware's offerings.
 
  • Sun xVM VirtualBox 2.2 Is a Tempting Alternative to VMware Fare
    by Cameron Sturdevant
  • OVF Initial Setup
    The systems I exported in the Open Virtualization Format had no special enhancements turned on, such as graphics acceleration or CPU virtualization hardware extensions. Sun's xVM VirtualBox can now import and export specially configured virtual machines that include an operating system, application and virtual disk for easy deployment.
  • Exporting Ubuntu Virtual Appliance
    After making configuration adjustments, I stepped through a short, wizard-driven process to export (and import) virtual appliances from my xVM VirtualBox installation.
  • Graphics Trouble
    In my Ubuntu virtual machine, visual effects worked fine; in my OpenSolaris guest, the results were unsatisfactory.
  • Graphics OK
    I reset my OpenSolaris system to a basic graphics interface, and the system worked fine.
  • Manual Configuration
    Here you see the information I had to manually configure to get the shared folder feature mounted and working in my xVM VirtualBox installation.
  • Shared Folder in Place
    It is very handy to have a shared folder available to guest systems. I used mine to easily store some of the screen shots used for this slideshow in a central location on my host system.
  • Host-Only Setup
    Host-only networking is a hybrid between bridged and internal networking. Here you see the basic configuration menu that enables guests to communicate with each other. Guests can also be configured to talk with the outside world.
  • All Features Turned On
    For most tests, I enabled all the enhanced performance and graphics acceleration capabilities in my Sun OpenSolaris guest system.
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