Running Rocky Linux within a VirtualBox environment on Windows 11 offers a cost-effective and flexible solution for enthusiasts and professionals seeking to explore enterprise-grade Linux without dedicating physical hardware. This approach is particularly beneficial for those familiar with CentOS, as Rocky Linux serves as its community-driven successor, providing a stable and reliable platform.

Background Information

Rocky Linux is an open-source, community-supported operating system designed to be fully compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Its development was initiated in response to Red Hat's decision to shift CentOS from a downstream to an upstream model, leading to the discontinuation of CentOS Linux. Rocky Linux aims to fill the gap by offering a free, enterprise-grade operating system that maintains binary compatibility with RHEL.

VirtualBox, developed by Oracle, is a powerful x86 and AMD64/Intel64 virtualization product for enterprise and home use. It allows users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine, providing a versatile platform for testing, development, and learning.

Implications and Impact

The ability to run Rocky Linux on VirtualBox within a Windows 11 environment enables users to:

  • Test and Develop Applications: Developers can create and test applications in a controlled Linux environment without the need for dedicated hardware.
  • Learn and Experiment: Enthusiasts can explore Rocky Linux's features and functionalities, gaining hands-on experience with enterprise-grade Linux systems.
  • Maintain Compatibility: Organizations can ensure their applications remain compatible with RHEL-based systems, facilitating smoother transitions and migrations.
Technical Details

To set up Rocky Linux on VirtualBox in Windows 11, follow these steps:

  1. Prerequisites:
  • Hardware Virtualization: Ensure that hardware virtualization (VT-x/AMD-V) is enabled in your system's BIOS/UEFI settings. This is crucial for running 64-bit operating systems in VirtualBox.
  • VirtualBox Installation: Download and install the latest version of VirtualBox from the official website.
  • Rocky Linux ISO: Download the appropriate Rocky Linux ISO image from the official Rocky Linux website. The DVD ISO is recommended for a complete installation.
  1. Creating a Virtual Machine:
  • Open VirtualBox and click on the "New" button.
  • Name the VM (e.g., "Rocky Linux 9.5"), set the type to "Linux," and the version to "Red Hat (64-bit)."
  • Allocate at least 2 GB of RAM; 4 GB or more is recommended for better performance.
  • Create a virtual hard disk with a minimum size of 20 GB; dynamically allocated storage is advisable for flexibility.
  1. Configuring the Virtual Machine:
  • Attach the downloaded Rocky Linux ISO to the VM's optical drive.
  • Adjust the VM's settings as needed, such as enabling 2D/3D acceleration for improved graphics performance.
  1. Installing Rocky Linux:
  • Start the VM and follow the on-screen instructions to install Rocky Linux.
  • During installation, configure language, time settings, disk partitioning, and user accounts as per your requirements.
  1. Post-Installation Configuration:
  • After installation, install VirtualBox Guest Additions to enhance performance and enable features like seamless mouse integration and shared clipboard. This can be done by mounting the Guest Additions ISO and running the installer within the VM.
Conclusion

Running Rocky Linux on VirtualBox within a Windows 11 environment provides a robust and flexible platform for testing, development, and learning. By following the outlined steps, users can effectively set up and utilize Rocky Linux, leveraging its enterprise-grade features without the need for dedicated hardware.

References

By following this guide, users can effectively set up and utilize Rocky Linux within a VirtualBox environment on Windows 11, gaining valuable experience with enterprise-grade Linux systems.