VirtualBox is 'virtually' the best free VM engine out there!
September 29, 2017
VirtualBox is 'virtually' the best free VM engine out there!
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Oracle VM VirtualBox
Used by a wide range of employees both individually and within teams to create and manage test networks for new software. Allows the end user to implement and explore new software, to test suitability for business needs, and even the compatibility of said software into the system already in place.
Additionally, we can create internal networks or similar environments which are not on the business network and then use them for training exercises and the like with no risk to the wider network.
And, of course IT'S FREE.
Additionally, we can create internal networks or similar environments which are not on the business network and then use them for training exercises and the like with no risk to the wider network.
And, of course IT'S FREE.
- Manages multiple VM's simultaneously. As a software used to create environments with several machines, this is a great strength.
- Allows a bridged network to be built with extreme ease.
- Central dashboard is concise and informative, without being cluttered.
- Seriously easy to pick up as a first time user. Never counter-intuitive.
- Can be run across a range of OS - not restricted to Windows !
- Full screen mode - it is not always the easiest job getting out of a machine when in full screen mode.
- Network settings - all new VM's use NAT by default, which whilst ok for most may be an annoyance if you want a Bridged network in place - you have to power down the machine to change the network settings each time.
- Lacks in system integration features that paid-for competitors do have, such as printing direct to host's printer. Minor annoyance for network building purposes however.
- + Allowed for cost saving solutions to software testing and environment creation
- - Not as good as paid-for alternatives that also don't break the bank.
Considering it is free, the comparison seems slightly unfair, however my personal preference is still Virtual Box. The added features within Fusion are nowhere near important or useful enough to justify spending budget money on it. Therefore, despite VB being less aesthetically pleasing, and at times clunkier and slower to use, it doesn't cost anything and thus is a limitless tool in terms of applications throughout the business.
Oracle VM VirtualBox Feature Ratings
Evaluating Oracle VM VirtualBox and Competitors
Yes - For me personally it replaced VMware Fusion, as it was free and fulfilled all of the necessary requirements for my purpose.
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
- Prior Experience with the Product
- Vendor Reputation
- Third-party Reviews
Oracle are a hugely successful brand - even a household name. I knew that a piece of software released by Oracle was highly likely to be reliable and user-friendly, and was not proved wrong.
Trial more alternatives than just the one, and give longer to trial each product to ensure it actually is as good as it seems at first use.
Using Oracle VM VirtualBox
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using | None |
- Running and switching between multiple VMs.
- Dashboard gives more than enough info on each VM.
- Quick to install and boot, simplistic design allows for immediate VM launch.
- Running several VMs simultaneously.
- Changing settings for a machine in the middle of a job as each machine must be powered down first to do so.
- Connecting to the host machine for uses such as printing or USB redirection.