Within our set of instructions, we will be explaining what a virtual machine is and how you can set one up on your own! Essentially, a virtual machine is a type of software that can be downloaded quite easily on any type of computer. Virtual machines allow their users to run multiple operating systems on one computer, which saves time, storage, and cost. VirtualBox is the software that we are going to be utilizing due to its user friendliness, it is open source, as well as able to run on Mac, Windows, and Linux– the way each machine is set up does not differ. After reading our instructable, the user should be comfortable with setting up a virtual machine on their own, have knowledge pertaining to the virtual machine software they’re using, and have confidence within their abilities.

Supplies

Computer

Step 1: Downloading VirtualBox

In order to be able to run a virtual machine, we will first need to download a software/vmware that will allow us to do so! On google, search “virtual box”; the website we will be using will be the first result, and the link will be listed here: https://www.virtualbox.org. After reaching the website, you will click the big blue box that says “download virtualbox 6.1”.

Step 2: Choose Platform Package

Depending on the type of computer/laptop you have, you will have to choose a certain platform that is most compatible with the software on your computer. We are going to be using the OS X hosts, so we will click that option to start downloading our virtual box. A pop up window is going to appear– select “allow”.

Step 3: Open the Virtual Machine

After completing the download, a box like this will pop up. You will click on that icon to start booting up the virtual machine. Welcome to your first virtual machine software!

Step 4: Click the Blue “new” Button to Start Creating a Machine

Once the boot is completed you will be led to this page. On this page you will find the list of virtual machines that you have created later on and here you will use the “new” command at the top of the page to create your very first VM.

Step 5: Choose Name and Operating System

After clicking through the first promptless page, there should be a page resembling this one that pops up. Here, you will be given the option to decide the name and operating system you want to use for this device. Decide your operating system and version of choice via the two drop down menu and click next to advance. Among the popular OS available to you there is Windows, MacOS and Linux, as well as the option to change the OS version to a current or past version.

*These options are particularly important for different kinds of programmers or penetration testers. By creating a virtual machine with a specific OS they can test out very specific exploits or tools that they might not want to use on their personal computers. By having this freedom, the creator can change a virtual machine’s OS to fit their personal needs whenever they feel like it.

Step 6: Creating a Virtual Hard Disk

The next available page should be as seen above. Here you will be given the option to create a hard disk for the virtual machine. The program will then prompt you to choose between three options but VDI should be your best option between the three. Next it will have you choose between fixed and dynamically allocated and you should always choose dynamically allocated as fixed will create problems for you in the future when you start reaching system limits. Once this is selected it will prompt you with a slider to choose the amount of storage that will be allocated to the vm with a slider and the location it will be downloaded to. After you make your disk allocation click the next button to progress.

*This will allocate a certain amount of disk space to the vm for its boot. It is recommended to create a new disk with an allocated twenty-five gb of space as instructed. If you have an existing disk that you would like to use instead follow the prompts and select a disk available on your pc.

*Most of these settings can be changed if need be in the future so feel free to be loose with your choices. Here you can choose the amount you want to allocate but it would be smart to allocate the recommended amount unless you want to create a bigger more complex VM.

Step 7: VM Manager Main Page

Upon clicking next, your virtual machine should be created and visible in the opening page. There it will display all the statistics of the machine in the panel to its left. Because the virtual machine was only formatted for windows you still need to download a OS that you chose to the machine from a preloaded save file. Remember that OS that I had you download from the beginning? That's what is going to be allocated to your virtual machine.

*Included are the name you allocated and the operating system, the allocated memory and the boot sequence, the allocated video memory and the status of the remote desktop, the information regarding the storage method, and the information regarding the network status as well as a few other bits of information about the system that don't yet matter.

Step 8: Adding OS to Your Virtual Machine

Upon starting your machine, you should be greeted by this page which will have a drop down menu. Once you see it, click the small folder next to it and it will give you the option to add a file to it. Select this and you’ll have to go to the location you downloaded the OS to and select it for use. After you select the OS image, select start to image it to the VM.

Once you click start the OS should go through a linux boot sequence. Wait until it prompts you next. The moment you start to use your mouse and keyboard you will be given the option to capture the inputs from your device. Select this as it will allow you to use these to control the VM in the future.

*It should also give you a key command to disconnect the vm if you are having trouble exiting it as the keystrokes are being used as controls in the vm. Make sure to remember this or you run the risk of being stuck in a vm. Usually the command is the right CTRL key.

Step 9: Select Kali Linux

After this select graphical install of kali linux from the small list of options and the program should begin imaging.

Your next pop up should be the system formatting and this will be unique to every OS. Follow the prompts and that should bring you to the home screen of your VM and you should be set thereafter. You have now officially set up your own virtual machine and it should be ready for use!