Can I create a virtual server on my laptop and then connect to that server from my laptop?

[Odlarhg]

Hi.

I am new to the blog and new using VirtualBox. I have a question that may sound very elementary or illogical but as I tell you, I am a rookie with VirtualBox.

I need to install an application that is normally installed on a server and then clients connect to the server to use it. Now I need to install it on my laptop where I can perform tests with the application without needing to be connected to the server.

My question is, can I create a virtual server on my laptop and then connect to that server from my laptop?

Beforehand thank you very much

Aldo

[mpack]

A VM is effectively a second PC. You can do anything with it that you can do with any other "second PC". In order to act as a server both host and guest would need to be connected to a common network, the best way to ensure that would be to configure the guest to use Bridged Networking. The latter works especially well with Ethernet (LAN) networking, as the VirtualBox connection looks like just another switch on the network. Bridging to a WiFi connection can sometimes cause more problems because the standards don't explicitly cater for switches.

[scottgus1]

One thing to add to Mpack's thoughts. Not only does Bridged not always work on Wi-Fi, but there has to be an active Wi-Fi connection for Bridged to attempt to work. If you do only connect via Wi-Fi, or you find that you run your laptop where there is no connectable Wi-Fi, then try Host-Only as the connection between host and guest. Host-Only is a separate channel not going through your laptop's physical network adapters, and can work anywhere.