What are different types of start options

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MPC
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What are different types of start options

Post by MPC »

Hi,

Kindly let me know what are the use of different types of start options

Normal
Headless
Detachable
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Re: What are different types of start options

Post by multiOS »

Have you tried searching those Terms in the VirtualBox User Manual? Apart from "normal" which, of course, is simply the default startup in a Window.

Edit: the User Manual simply states:
Normally, a VM is shown as a window on your computer’s desktop.
MPC
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Re: What are different types of start options

Post by MPC »

What about the other 2 ?
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Re: What are different types of start options

Post by multiOS »

Search in the Manual.
MPC
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Re: What are different types of start options

Post by MPC »

OK!
scottgus1
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Re: What are different types of start options

Post by scottgus1 »

Normally, I wouldn't add on, as searching the manual is the correct way to see what Virtualbox features do. There is a PDF of the manual on http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads that can be text-searched.

However, the manual is very sketchy on what Detachable is, the word only appears one time, and the manual says:
Starts a VM with a detachable UI. Technically, it is a headless VM with user interface in a
separate process. This is an experimental feature as it lacks certain functionality, such as
3D acceleration.
That's a little light on details.

So here goes:

Normal: is a regular VM window with full 3D capabilities (if 3D acceleration, proper Guest Additions, and a compatible OS are used).

Detachable and Headless are two sides of the same coin. 3D acceleration is not available, even if it is enabled in the VM's settings.

Headless: is really "Monitorless". The VM starts with a graphics system running, but with no window showing, as if the VM's monitor were turned off and put behind the desk so you can't see it. The VM OS still calculates a GUI. You can remote into the VM with native remote protocols or Virtualbox RDP/VNC, and see the GUI all ready to go and running in the remote client. But you don't see a VM window. To show the window, click Show in the Virtualbox Manager, now you have a Detachable VM. To hide the window again, go to the VM's Machine menu and choose "Detach GUI", now you're back to headless. Toggle back and forth all day as needed.

Detachable is only starting the "headless" VM with the monitor showing as a VM window instead of hidden. Toggle the window on and off as needed, using the same methods as "headless".
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