virtualbox.org

Hey everyone,
I know this question has probably been answered a 100 times so sorry if I'm bringing up a old question. Is it possible to run a vm (Linux distro) completely off of a external hard drive. I have a wd passport with USB 3.0. I want to be able to carry a vm with me to school and the library if possible. I'm currently fixing my computer so would love to use a vm other places. Also could I set up the vm at a public place (let's say a school computer)?

Simple answer - No.

VirtualBox must be installed on the host before you can run the virtual machine.

There's another group that makes "portable Virtualbox", not supported here. It may work for you.

Ummm... It sort of doesn't work. Portable VirtualBox is (for me at least) not portable if, according to their website:

Note
VirtualBox needs several kernel drivers installed and needs to start several services: if the drivers and services are not already installed you’ll need administrator rights to run Portable-VirtualBox.

Doesn't quite work in the public library or in the school...

So can I save the distro on my hard drive and download virtual box on whatever computer I'm trying to use.

As soctratis said, it is unlikely that you would be able to install VirtualBox (or any other program) on a publicly available computer.

I did at my college library. I got it downloaded on my hard drive and it ran. Didn't attempt to try to start the vs though.

fedoramaestro wrote:I did at my college library. I got it downloaded on my hard drive and it ran. Didn't attempt to try to start the vs though.

All I can say is that the library has a pretty slack security system. It is a wonder any machines still work. I have had a bit of experience with what students can do to an unprotected machine.