Every few months, there’s a major VirtualBox update, bringing in a range of visible changes and
improvements to this handy, free hypervisor product. I’m an old time user, and have written about
VirtualBox many times in the past. Recently, I had the chance to test the new version, 5.2 (actually
5.2.2).
The official list of enhancements is quite impressive – the GUI now features revamped virtual media
and host network managers, easier snapshot management, and unattended guest installations. Sounds neat. So
let us see what gives.
Overview
When you start the program, the interface will show a slightly redesigned layout than before, which
might confuse you at first. If you click on Details and/or Snapshots below, this will open the expect right
pane, with all its bells and whistles.
Global Tools
More importantly, you now have easier access to the so-called global tools – the Virtual Media Manager
and the Host Network Manager. These two utilities let you manage the storage and
networking options of your virtual setup. You can attach and
detach storage media, create VLANs, and all those things you would need or expect to make VirtualBox work
for you.
For instance, with the storage, you can make your virtual disks immutable, allow writethrough, make the
disk shareable among virtual machines, or even allow multi-attach, effectively creating a fileserver if you
will.
Likewise, on the network side, if you want to create complicated setups with strict separation between
networks, you can do that, too. While VirtualBox does not normally aim at the corporate space, it is slowly
gearing up as a serious product, and it is offering more of the tools you would need and expect in
something other than a home environment.
Unattended installations
This is a very interesting one. At the moment, it seems there’s no GUI wizard, or if one exists, I was
not able to find it. You will need to use the command line to get VirtualBox to run unattended
installations. The usual set of commands is
VBoxManage, and then the rest of it. I will be exploring this in more detail
in the future. For the time being, I’ve been teased, and so have you.
Linux setup
The installation and configuration also worked fully and seamlessly on Linux, including upgrading the
extension pack. The functionality is identical across platforms. Strangely, or not, with Windows, you get a
penguin logo in the main interface, and on Linux, you get a fiesta of letters. Perhaps it should be the
other way around?
Conclusion
VirtualBox 5.2 is a refreshing addition to this product arsenal. Essentially, all the options are still
there, but they are even so slightly more accessible and in turn, more powerful, which is the whole idea
behind this revamp. You do also get new features, slowly, incrementally, and that helps build trust in the
product. There’s no wild jumping around, only continuous, consistent progress. That’s exactly the kind of
development and improvements that I like and appreciate.
If you are already a VirtualBox user, then you will find the changes useful and practical. If you’re new
to the world of virtualization, and you’re deliberating, then VirtualBox 5.2 should be a good starting
point. After all, it’s the familiar product with some extra spice. Over the years, we got 3D support,
screenshots, and now better management of the setup, and unattended installations. Party on, engage, full
speed on.
Cheers.