Lab # 1: Setup Linux & Windows machine in VM SSUET/QR/114
LAB NO 1
Linux and Windows operating systems in a Virtual Machine environment
Objective
Set up Linux and Windows operating systems in a virtual machine environment. Run basic
configuration commands.
Introduction to Virtual Machines (VMs)
A Virtual Machine (VM) is a software-based computer system emulation. It allows you to run an
operating system (OS) within another operating system (the host). It can create isolated environments
for testing, development, and learning using virtualization software such as VirtualBox or VMware.
Advantages of Virtual Machines:
• Isolation from host system.
• Ability to run multiple OS on one physical machine.
• Snapshots (saving the exact state of a VM for future restoration).
• Easy backups and portability.
Understanding Operating Systems (OS)
An Operating System is software that acts as an intermediary between computer hardware and the
user. It manages hardware resources, provides user interfaces, and offers platforms to run applications.
• Linux OS (PelicanHPC) is an open-source, Unix-like operating system widely used in servers,
development environments, and cybersecurity.
• Windows OS (Windows 10/11) is a proprietary operating system developed by Microsoft,
commonly used in desktop environments.
Key Concepts in OS Installation & Configuration
Virtual Machine Configuration (VM Settings)
CPU and RAM Allocation VMs use a portion of the host’s CPU and memory. Careful
balancing ensures both host and VM run smoothly.
Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) VMs use a file on the host system as a virtual hard drive.
Network Adapters VMs can use different networking modes:
• NAT (Network Address Translation): Default, allows
internet access but isolates VM from local network.
• Bridged: VM acts like a physical machine on the
network.
CET-205L: Systems & Network Administration 1
Lab # 1: Setup Linux & Windows machine in VM SSUET/QR/114
Part 1: Setup VirtualBox
1. Go to https://www.virtualbox.org.
2. Download the latest version for your operating system.
3. Run the installer and follow the wizard.
• Select all default options.
• Install VirtualBox Extension Pack
Part 2: Setup loopback adapter
1. Go to start menu. Then go to Device Manager
2. Go to Action and click Add legacy hardware.
Install the hardware
3. Select type of hardware
• Select device driver manufacturer
• Select model
4. Go to Network connection
• Write click on Ethernet Loopback Adapter
and select properties.
• Goto Internet Protocol Version 4
• Set static IP
CET-205L: Systems & Network Administration 2
Lab # 1: Setup Linux & Windows machine in VM SSUET/QR/114
Part 2: Setup and Install Linux VM
Step 1: Create Linux Virtual Machine
• Run VirtualBox with administrative
rights and click New.
• Name: PelicanHPC
• Type: Linux
• Version: Debian
• Memory: 4GB (4096MB) RAM
• Disk: Do not add a virtual hard disk
Step 2: Install PelicanHPC OS
• Select Pelican VM and click Settings >
Storage.
• Attach the PelicanHPC ISO to the
optical drive.
• Click Start.
Step 3: Access GUI
• Enter user name: user
• Password: PelicanHPC
• To start GUI, enter: startx
CET-205L: Systems & Network Administration 3
Lab # 1: Setup Linux & Windows machine in VM SSUET/QR/114
Lab Exercise Tasks
Question 1: Install VirtualBox and create two virtual machines for Ubuntu and Windows OS.
Question 2: Install Ubuntu OS on the Linux VM and complete the initial system setup (Hostname).
Question 3: Install Windows 10/11 OS on Windows VM and configure basic system settings.
Question 4: Verify network connectivity on both VMs using the ping command.
CET-205L: Systems & Network Administration 4
