Installing Debian on Ubuntu via VirtualBox

In the world of Linux distributions, the connection between Debian and Ubuntu is a remarkable combination of reliability, variety, and use. While both Debian and Ubuntu are capable operating systems in their own right, the ability to install Debian atop Ubuntu opens up a world of possibilities, providing users with a distinct set of features and benefits that distinguish it from other solutions.

In this article, deep dive into how to install Debian on Ubuntu and how the two well-known distributions work together seamlessly. Discover the benefits and advantages of this hybrid architecture, which provides users with unrivaled customization, software diversity, and system reliability.

Prerequisites

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• System running on Ubuntu
• User with Root access on the terminal
• At least 10GB disk space (recommended 20GB)
• At least 512 GB RAM (recommended 4GB)
• Debian ISO file (will be described below)
• VirtualBox (will be described below)

Once all requirements are met, proceed with installation.

Installing VirtualBox

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1. Install VirtualBox on Ubuntu.

Access the terminal and update the package index.

sudo apt-get update

2. Run the below command to install and type yes or y to proceed.

sudo apt-get install virtualbox

3. Check if installation was successful by running the command:

sudo dpkg -l virtualbox

Or login to Ubuntu Desktop and look for VirtualBox on the application search box.

After successful installation of VirtualBox, it is now ready to install Debian.

Installing Debian with VirtualBox

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To install Debian, follow the instruction below:

1. Download the Debian ISO file on the Debian official website. Wait for download to finish.

Downloading Debian ISO file from the official website

2. Launch the VirtualBox and click New.

3. Create the Debian machine and name it.

Creating a virual machine in VirtualBox

4. Allocate the required memory and click Next.

Creating a virual machine in VirtualBox

5. Select the hard disk file type and click Next.

Creating a virual machine in VirtualBox

6. Choose if the hard disk is dynamically or fixed sized then click Next.

Creating a virual machine in VirtualBox

7. Allocate the required size of disk and click Create.

Creating a virual machine in VirtualBox

8. Validate details and click start to proceed with installation.

Creating a virual machine in VirtualBox

9. Locate the Debian ISO file that has been downloaded on the previous step.

Creating a virual machine in VirtualBox

Select your Debian ISO file.

Creating a virual machine in VirtualBox

Click Start.

10. Follow the instruction prompt.

Debian installer in VirtualBox

11. Reply to the system's prompts such as selecting the language and location.

Debian installer in VirtualBox

12. Wait for the installation to complete. Once done, it will look like below. 

Debian running on a VM created with VirtualBox

Debian installation is successful.

Conclusion

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As technology advances and user expectations increase, Debian and Ubuntu's collaboration paves the road for open-source innovation and excellence. Embracing this synergy not only improves individual users' capacities, but it also adds to the global advancement of Linux-based solutions. 

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