Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9 in VirtualBox

Installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9 in VirtualBox involves several steps: creating a virtual machine, configuring the VM settings, and performing the RHEL installation. This detailed guide will walk you through the process.

1. Prerequisites

• VirtualBox: Ensure you have the latest version of Oracle VM VirtualBox installed. You can download it from VirtualBox’s official website.
• RHEL 9 ISO: Download the RHEL 9 installation ISO from the Red Hat Customer Portal.

2. Create a New Virtual Machine

2.1 Open VirtualBox and Create a New VM

1. Open VirtualBox and click on New to create a new virtual machine.
2. Name and Operating System:
   • Name: Give your VM a name, e.g., “RHEL9”.
   • Type: Linux.
   • Version: Red Hat (64-bit).
3. Click Next.

2.2 Memory Size

• Allocate memory (RAM) to your VM. A minimum of 2 GB is recommended, but 4 GB or more is preferred for better performance.
• Click Next.

2.3 Hard Disk

• Create a Virtual Hard Disk:
  • Select Create a virtual hard disk now.
  • Click Create.
• Hard Disk File Type:
  • Select VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
  • Click Next.
• Storage on Physical Hard Disk:
  • Choose Dynamically allocated.
  • Click Next.
• File Location and Size:
  • Set the disk size to at least 20 GB.
  • Click Create.

3. Configure VM Settings

3.1 Adjust General Settings

1. Select the VM (RHEL9) in VirtualBox and click Settings.
2. System:
   • Under the Motherboard tab, ensure the Floppy device is unchecked.
   • Under the Processor tab, allocate 2 or more CPUs if available.
   • Enable Enable PAE/NX.
3. Display:
   • Under the Screen tab, allocate at least 128 MB of Video Memory.
   • Enable 3D Acceleration if desired.
4. Storage:
   • Select the Empty CD/DVD drive under the Controller: IDE.
   • Click the disk icon and choose Choose a disk file.
   • Locate and select the RHEL 9 ISO file.
5. Network:
   • Under the Adapter 1 tab, select Attached to: NAT or Bridged Adapter for internet access.
6. Click OK to save the settings.

4. Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9

4.1 Start the VM

1. Select the VM (RHEL9) in VirtualBox and click Start.
2. The VM will boot from the RHEL 9 ISO. Select Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 from the boot menu and press Enter.

4.2 Begin Installation

1. Language Selection:
   • Choose your language and click Continue.
2. Installation Summary:
   • Localization:
     • Keyboard: Choose the desired keyboard layout.
     • Language Support: Confirm the selected language.
     • Time & Date: Set your time zone.
   • Software:
     • Installation Source: Should be set to the local media (the ISO).
     • Software Selection: Choose the base environment, e.g., Server with GUI, and any additional components you need.
   • System:
     • Installation Destination: Select the virtual hard disk and choose Automatic partitioning.
     • Kdump: Leave it enabled unless you have a specific reason to disable it.
     • Network & Hostname: Configure the network connection and set the hostname.
3. Click Begin Installation.

4.3 Configure User Settings

• While the installation is in progress, set the Root Password and create a user account with administrative privileges.

5. Complete Installation

1. Once the installation is complete, click Reboot.
2. Remove the ISO from the virtual CD/DVD drive in VirtualBox.
3. The VM will reboot into your new RHEL 9 installation.

6. Post-Installation Steps

6.1 Update the System

• Open a terminal and update the system:bash

sudo dnf update -y

6.2 Install VirtualBox Guest Additions

1. Insert Guest Additions CD Image:
   • In the VirtualBox VM window, go to Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image.
2. Mount the CD Image:

sudo mount /dev/cdrom /mnt

3. Run the Installer:

sudo /mnt/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

4. Reboot the VM:

sudo reboot

By following these steps, you should have a fully functional RHEL 9 installation in VirtualBox. This setup provides a flexible environment for testing, development, or learning purposes.