The Virtual machines They are an excellent solution to try OS, with or development environments without affecting our main computer. Thanks to the virtualization, we can run a operating system within another without having to make changes to our equipment. To facilitate this task, there are various web that offer virtual machines already configured and ready for use.
Here you will find a compilation of the best websites to download virtual machines, both Windows and Linux. We will also explain how to use them, what with It is recommended and some adjustments to optimize your performance.
Where to download virtual machines?
There are several platforms that offer preconfigured virtual machines for different Hypervisors , the VirtualBox, VMware or Hyper-VBelow, we show you the best options and what you can find in each of them.
Microsoft Developer Website
Microsoft offers evaluation virtual machines for Windows, ideal for developers and testers. These come with Windows 11 Enterprise and tools like Visual Studio 2022, . NET, SDKs and Windows Subsystem for Linux.
- Machines available for VirtualBox, VMware, Hyper-V and Parallels.
- Validity of 90 days.
- It includes pre-installed software for development.
Osboxes
Osboxes is an excellent option if you are looking for Linux distributions preconfigured. It has multiple distros such as Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS and Kali Linux, ready to use on VirtualBox and VMware.
- Great variety of Linux distributions.
- Compatible with VirtualBox y VMware.
- Images updated periodically.
VirtualBoxes
VirtualBoxes is another very useful website to download images from Virtual machines, although its catalogue is more limited and focused on Linux, FreeBSD and some alternative systems.
- Supported formats: VirtualBox.
- Variety of systems Linux, FreeBSD and FreeDOS.
- Documentation available.
DownloadVirtualMachines
This platform offers virtual machines in Spanish, something difficult to find on other pages. It has distros such as Ubuntu y CentOS.
- Machines in format OVA.
- Compatible with VirtualBox y VMware.
- En Spanish, but somewhat outdated.
How to use a downloaded virtual machine
Once the image is downloaded from the virtual machine, it is time to import it into the with corresponding. Below we explain the basic steps.
Import into VirtualBox
- Opens VirtualBox and select “Import virtualized service”.
- Select the file OVA/VMDK Discharged.
- Configure the settings according to your resources. PC.
- The process ends and starts. virtual machine.
Import into VMware
- Opens VMware and select “Open a virtual machine.”
- Select image VMDK.
- Assign RAM and cores of CPU depending on needs
- Finish the setup and run the virtual machine.
Tips to improve virtual machine performance
To make the experience smooth, we recommend some essential settings:
- RAM memory allocation: Do not assign more than 50% from your computer's RAM.
- CPU Core Usage: If you have a multi-core processor, assigns at least 2 to improve performance.
- Storage SSD: If you have a SSD, place the virtual machine there to improve the speed.
- Install Guest Additions: This optimizes graphics, compatibility and allows file sharing between the host and VM.
Are these virtual machines legal?
It depends on the operating system. Virtual machines Linux They are completely legal, as they are usually FOSS. However, for those of Windows, only those provided by are legal Microsoft as an evaluation.
Virtual machines of MacOS can only be used on computers Mac, in as much as Apple does not allow its installation in hardware that is not yours.
There are multiple options for downloading and using virtual machines for different operating systems. Depending on your needs, you can choose between: Linux distributions on pages like Osboxes o VirtualBoxes, or by environments Windows of evaluation offered by Microsoft. Properly configure your virtual machine and optimizing your resources will allow you to enjoy a smooth and efficient experience.
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