VM-Manual_Final

Creating a Virtual Machine in Windows 10 Elevation Computer Company© 2019

Table of Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 2 Tools and Equipment Needed to Create a Virtual Machine .................................................................. 3 Proper Use of Virtual Machines………………………………………………………………………………..4 Who Should Use Virtual Machines .................................................................................................... 4 Steps to Create a Virtual Machine using Hyper-V................................................................................. 5 Downloading the Image File…………………………………………………………………………………5 Building the Virtual Machine………………………………………………………………………………...6 Setting Up Your Virtual Machine………………………………………………………………………………....10 Maintenance and Troubleshooting...................................................................................................... 17 Warnings ........................................................................................................................................ 17 Summary ............................................................................................................................................ 18 Contact Us....................................................................................................................................... 18 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) .................................................................................................... 19 Glossary.............................................................................................................................................. 20 pg. 1

Introduction A Virtual Machine (VM) uses software to create a ‘computer within a computer.’ Essentially, it is a virtual representation of a computer that can use a different operating system (OS) and is completely independent from the host computer, or the physical equipment that is being used. It can use all of the physical hardware of a regular computer, such as the mouse, keyboard, any USB devices, and the network port. Although a VM can use all of the components of the host computer, it does not directly interact with it. Hypervisor software helps to manage the VMs and differentiate between each one. Virtual machines are used for a few different reasons and can be used by everyone from a regular student to advanced programmers. One of the simplest uses of VMs is to use them to explore different operating systems. With a VM, a system can be explored without having to fear the repercussions of a mis-click. A very helpful use of a Virtual Machine is to install incompatible software or applications. Some versions of software and applications may not be compatible with the host computers’ operating system but a VM can help with this. Another major use of Virtual Machines is for the development of applications and websites. Developers can use the different VMs to test the compatibility of their creations with other operating systems. When it comes to virtual machines, their advantageous nature and easy access really shines through. One of the biggest advantages is that they are cost efficient. Different operating systems can be accessed without having to purchase separate devices with them installed. This is especially helpful for facilities with limited funding. Virtual machines are very space and time friendly. Several different virtual machines can be stored on one device. In this case, they also prove to be portable. The creation of a virtual machine is extremely easy and can be completed in a timely manner. Another very helpful feature of VMs is their safety and security. If a virus finds its way into the virtual software that is written for the OS of the VM, it will attack only the VM and not the host. This helps to protect a computer from the threat of a virus. In the case that a virus compromises the virtual machine, it is very easy to delete it and recreate a new one. Prestige, Inc. will utilize the open-source Linux Operating System to develop servers for the local school system. They don’t have an abundance of funds to purchase separate server equipment, so they will make use of the Virtual Machine software installed on some of the machines they already own. Both Windows and Mac Operating Systems are widely used and therefore pose external security threats. The Linux Operating System reduces these potential threats because of the small number of businesses that utilize the system. This reduces the probability of malware attacks by cyber thieves. Also, the use of virtual machines minimizes the risk of malware on the host server and computer. These characteristics will prove to be beneficial to Prestige and the local school system. pg. 2

Tools and Equipment Needed to Create a Virtual Machine You will need the following pieces of equipment to create a Virtual Machine: 1. A desktop (all-in-one or tower) or laptop computer. 2. A keyboard for character input capability (built-in or detached). 3. A mouse for click command input (built-in or detached). 4. A computer monitor to display user graphics. 5. A network (Ethernet) connection if you wish to connect to the Internet. 6. A host Operating System (OS). 7. Hypervisor software to build the Virtual Machine (VM). 8. An Operating System Image File (.iso) downloaded from the Internet or on a CD/DVD to install on your VM. pg. 3

Proper Use of Virtual Machines Virtual Machines can be used for many different reasons. The following are the most common uses of VMs: 1. Testing other Operating Systems When creating a virtual machine, you will be able to use a wide variety of operating systems and support software such as Windows or Linux that will start applications, schedule tasks, and more. You can even have multiple virtual machines active at once. The ability to experiment with the variety of operating systems available for use will help you experience and experiment with them in a safe environment. As long as the virtual machine uses a different operating system than the host computer, your host computer will be safe from any dangers in the virtual machine. While in a virtual machine, you can delete important files, get infected with malware, or render it completely useless. To solve any problems of the sort, you just need to recreate the virtual machine and reinstall the operating system. 2. Creating Software for Multiple Platforms Virtual Machines also allow you to test games, apps, and other software for many different brands of desktops and phones in a much simpler way. Rather than gathering all the necessary phones and desktops and installing the software to test on each device, you can use a virtual machine on one device instead. 3. Experimenting with Older Software In the workplace, there are times where the company has decided to use a specific software that is only available in older operating systems, but has already upgraded to the newer operating systems for other reasons. In this case, you can operate a virtual machine to use an older operating system and start up the required software. 4. Creating “Snapshots” Before performing risky tasks actions in your virtual machine, it is easy to create a snapshot, which is the condition at a specific point in a virtual machine where a user can return to if it is endangered or infected. Using this feature, you will be able to adjust important configurations in the computer’s system, uninstall as much software as you want, install and start a new application that hasn’t been tested and is still unstable. Unlike the system restore feature available to a Windows host computer, snapshots can restore the condition of software instantly. The snapshots can also be saved as a file anywhere inside or outside of the computer. Who Should Use Virtual Machines? Anyone with an interest in computers, who work for a business, or those who work with government agencies can all make use of virtual machines in some way. pg. 4

Steps to Create a Virtual Machine using Hyper-V Downloading the Image File Step 1: Download the Operating System Image File (.iso) for the Linux Ubuntu Operating System. Open a web browser and go to http://www.ubuntu.com/. Click ‘Download’ in the navigation pane at the top of the screen and download the file for Ubuntu Desktop. Step 2: Save the file in a location of your choice on the host computer (do not select ‘Open With’). Select ‘OK’ in the pop up box. Step 3: Determine a location to save this file (EX: create a new Ubuntu ISO folder on the Desktop), as shown here. Then click Save. pg. 5

Building the Virtual Machine Step 1: Launch Hyper-V Manager by clicking the Search Box in the lower left-hand corner of the screen and typing ‘Hyper-V.’ In the results pane, click Hyper-V Manager. Step 2: Create a new Virtual Machine by selecting New from the ‘Actions’ pane on the right, and then Virtual Machine. Step 3: Select Next once the ‘New Virtual Machine Wizard’ launches. pg. 6

Step 4: Click in the Name text input box and name your VM. In this example, we have named it ‘Linux Ubuntu OS.’ Then Select Next to continue. Step 5: Select Generation 1 when prompted to choose a generation for the VM. This option supports older operating system features (32-bit) as well as modern operating systems (64-bit). Click Next to continue. pg. 7

Step 6: Assign memory to the VM. Approximately 2 GB of memory is sufficient. The ‘Startup memory’ input box requires you to give the amount of memory in megabytes (MB). Approximately 2000 MB is equivalent to 2 GB, but for the example shown here, 2048 MB was chosen. Check the ‘Use Dynamic Memory for this virtual machine’ checkbox. Select Next to continue. Step 7: Click the dropdown selection box beside Connection and choose Default Switch. This will allow for the VM to access your network (Internet) connectivity. When you have done this, select Next to continue. Step 8: Select Create a virtual hard disk option. Name the VM Linux Ubuntu OS.vhdx. To continue, click Next. pg. 8

Step 9: Select Install an operating system from a bootable CD/DVD-ROM from the choices provided. Then select the Image file (.iso) option. Click Browse… Step 10: Locate the Linux Ubuntu .iso file that you saved on your computer earlier. Once you have located the file, double click it (or click the file once and then click Open). If you did not change the filename, the filename should be ubuntu-18.04.3-desktop- amd64. Then click Next. Step 11: Select Finish after you have reviewed the summary of your VM that you are about to install. This will close the setup wizard. pg. 9

Setting Up Your Virtual Machine Step 1: Launch your new VM by double clicking the ‘Linux Ubuntu OS’ machine in the Virtual Machines pane. Step 2: Start your new VM by selecting the Action pane at the top of the VM screen, and then Start. You can also simply press on your keyboard the Ctrl key and the S key simultaneously (Ctrl + S) to perform the same action. Step 3: Press your Enter key once you have used your arrow keys (if necessary) to select your language. English should be highlighted by default, thus only requiring you to press Enter on your keyboard. pg. 10

Step 4: Select Install Ubuntu by using your up and down arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight the option. Once the option is highlighted with white lettering, press your Enter key. Step 5: Select English when prompted by the new Linux OS after installation. Then click Continue. pg. 11

Step 6: Select the appropriate keyboard layout by selecting English (US) in both the left and righthand panes. Then click Continue. Step 7: Select Normal Installation. Then, click Continue. Step 8: Select the Erase disk and install Ubuntu radio button. Then click Install Now. Note: The VM does not have an Operating System (OS) installed yet, so this will not affect your host computer’s OS. pg. 12

Step 9: Click Continue when the ‘Write the changes to disk?’ prompt appears. Step 10: Type New York Time in the text box (if necessary). By default, the VM should select the Eastern Time Zone (New York Time). Click Continue. Step 11: Set up the user profile. In this example, the profile name is Test. The computer name is ubuntutest-Virtual- Machine. The username is ubuntutest, and the password is Ubuntu2019! Then select if you wish to have the computer sign you in automatically each time or not. Click Continue once you are finished. pg. 13

Step 12: Click Restart Now once the ‘Installation Complete’ pop-up box appears. The system will restart. Step 13 (if necessary): Select Reset from the Action menu if the VM screen goes dark after Step 26. Another way to do this is by pressing the Ctrl key and the R key simultaneously on your keyboard (Ctrl + R). Step 14: Select the name of the user profile that you just created. In this example, the user Test is shown. Then enter the appropriate password and press the Enter key to sign in. pg. 14

Step 15: Click Next throughout the ‘What’s New in Ubuntu’ start screen. Step 16: Select No, don’t send system info when the ‘Help Improve Ubuntu’ popup box appears. Then click the green Next button at the top of the popup box. You should now see your Linux Ubuntu Desktop with the taskbar hosting one-click applications on the left side of the screen. VM machine controls are located in the upper right hand corner, and the day of the week and time appear in the center of the top of the screen. Step 17: Enlarge the VM operating system by clicking the ‘box’ in the upper right hand corner of the program. The VM will not fill the entire monitor, but this can be fixed by entering some code into the Terminal or by installing the appropriate drivers online (this is optional, and more details are provided later). Click the square of 9 dots in the bottom left of the screen to access all applications on the Linux Operating System. pg. 15

Step 18: Scroll through the apps by clicking between the two dots on the right side of the screen. Some hypervisor software requires you to enter code into the Linux Terminal (the equivalent to Windows Command Prompt) to make the Operating System appear full screen. Hyper-V manager requires you to install the ‘Linux Integration Services v4.3 for Hyper-V and Azure’ drivers to accomplish this. This step is entirely optional and is best suited for users who aren’t comfortable with working inside of another computer window when performing tasks on their Virtual Machine (VM). pg. 16

Maintenance and Troubleshooting To keep your Virtual Machine running at its best, be sure to perform the following actions on a regular basis. 1. Install patches released by Microsoft. 2. Update necessary driver and software updates, including Operating System (OS) updates. 3. Monitor system event logs to see any errors or warnings the system may have encountered. 4. Create snapshots to restore the machine in case of a failure. 5. Run the ‘Disk Cleanup’ program if the machine begins to slow down. This will compress disk space to improve performance. Warnings There are very few things you should be wary of when operating a Virtual Machine. If the machine crashes, you can either use a snapshot that you may have created to restore it, or you can build the machine again from scratch. • DO NOT delete system files or the system may crash. • DO NOT wait to install OS updates. Many of these updates contain important security patches. pg. 17

Summary To summarize, the manual includes tools and equipment needed, the steps to create the VM, maintenance, contact information, and FAQs. After reading this manual, the reader should understand the concept of a virtual machines and how to create them. These machines are affordable, easy to create, and versatile. Contact Us Elevation Computer Company 1738 Hawthorne Dr. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Phone Number: (252) 123-4567 Fax Number: (252) 891-2345 Alexa Yaravide Allen Brown Adam Tomlinson (252) 836-8273 (252) 176-1842 (252) 987-1736 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] pg. 18

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Is it possible to break a Virtual Machine? A: You cannot break a Virtual Machine as you could a normal computer. Since a Virtual Machine is a piece of software, it can only ‘crash’ rather than break. You can recover your Virtual Machine in the event of a failure by utilizing the snapshot feature (refer to the ‘Proper Use of Virtual Machines’ section for more on this). Nonetheless, if the VM fails, the host computer should operate normally. Q: Are virtual machines free? A: Virtual Machine software is free. Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise editions provide the Hyper-V Manager software feature within the Operating System. For those who do not use the Pro or Enterprise editions, you can download Open-Source Hypervisor Software such as Oracle VirtualBox. Some operating system image (.iso) files are free, and some you will have to purchase. Q: Can you set up more than one virtual machine on a host computer? Can you operate more than one at a time? A: Yes, you can set up multiple VMs on your host computer. However, you cannot operate more than one VM at a time on your host computer. A Virtual Machine acts as if it were another computer, and you cannot run two or more machines at the same time on a normal machine either. On the other hand, it is said to be possible to run a VM inside a VM. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed pg. 19

Glossary The keyboard command used to Reset the virtual machine if it fails to restart automatically when prompted. Ctrl + R Ctrl + S The keyboard command used to Start the virtual machine for the first time when using the Hyper-V Hypervisor Drivers Software. Host Computer The software that communicates between the Operating Hypervisor System and the Physical Equipment attached to the host Image File (.iso) computer. EX: A USB Flash Drive must have Device Megabytes Drivers so the Operating System installed on the computer can communicate with the information on the drive. When Operating System (OS) comparing to patches, drivers are stand-alone software, which means an entirely new version can be installed on the computer. A patch is a mere update to the version of the already installed software. The physical/main computer that the user touches and uses to operate and perform computer commands. Also called a virtual machine monitor (VMM). This is the software that allows for the creation and operation of a virtual machine. Examples include Hyper-V Manager and Oracle VirtualBox. An .iso (International Organization for Standardization) file is the file that holds all of the instructions to an Operating System. This includes the processes used at startup, the appearance, the features and capabilities, as well as the appropriate file system. Abbreviated MB. Approximately 1000 megabytes is equivalent to 1 Gigabyte (GB). The relationship to GB is important because Gigabytes are the common measurement of computer RAM (Random Access Memory), which affects the speed of the computer when performing tasks. The functional software of a computer that performs specific actions such as launching applications. The OS interacts with the physical hardware to together form a usable unit. Examples include Microsoft Windows Operating Systems, Mac OS X Operating Systems, and Linux Operating Systems. pg. 20

Snapshot A file that contains the image of a Virtual Machine with System Restore specified settings at a specific point in time. This allows for Terminal the user to restore the machine in the event of a failure. Virtual Machine This can be done on demand by the user. A feature in Microsoft Windows that allows a user to restore the system to a specific point in time. This is usually done once the system malfunctions or has other problems. All applications, files, Registry settings, and system settings will be reverted back to the specified system restore point. A console that allows for input of commands to perform various tasks. Some of these tasks can be also be found elsewhere within the computer. Other tasks may be hidden from sight, but Terminal will allow certain commands and actions to be carried out to change computer settings or functionality to benefit the particular user. The equivalent to Terminal in Windows OS is Command Prompt. Terminal is also the name of the Apple Mac OS command console. A computer file (image) that simulates a computer. It makes use of all of the physical hardware of its host computer while performing software tasks apart from the host computer. Also called a guest machine. pg. 21