Understanding ostypes

[harisund]

Code: Select all

VBoxManage list ostypes

returns a whole bunch of OSes. What exactly is the difference ?

I was creating a Ubuntu VM called "win7_connectivity" to test some samba stuff, and when using the GUI it automatically used the Windows 7 OS type. However, it still let me install Ubuntu without any issues.

So what exactly are the differences in the os types? If I were to over ride every option myself, does it matter what OS type I choose?

(For instance, I want to try dd-wrt via VirtualBox. What should I chose? Does it even matter?)

[mpack]

It causes VirtualBox to create a VM whose recipe is compatible with the selected OS type. It is not a requirement that the same recipe is NOT compatible with any other OS type.

Clearly, all of these operating systems are designed to be run on PCs, so a certain amount of recipe overlap can be expected. Generally speaking, a new OS will run on new hardware, plus a certain range of historical hardware. Older guests may not accept new hardware or capacities. You should ensure that the VM you create is compatible with the OS you want to install, generally by picking the correct OS template.