How to install VitrualBox Ubuntu guest additions

This article defines VirtualBox Ubuntu guest additions, explains how to install them, and (if necessary) how to calibrate the Ubuntu video display.

What are VirtualBox Ubuntu Guest Additions?

VirtualBox Ubuntu guest additions are optional, supplemental software packages available through VirtualBox. You can install these guest additions after using VirtualBox to install Ubuntu as a guest operating system on a Windows XP host. Ubuntu guest additions enhance Ubunutu and make it easier to use. For example, after you install the Ubuntu guest additions, you can:

• Move the mouse pointer between Windows XP and Ubuntu without first pressing a key to switch between the operating systems.
• More easily change the Ubuntu screen size.

Installing Ubuntu Guest Additions

To install Ubuntu guest additions, do the following:

1. Install your Ubuntu guest operating system, boot it, and install all its recommended updates according to the procedure in How to Install Virtual Ubuntu on XP.
2. Press the right Ctrl key to switch the mouse and keyboard to your XP host, click on Devices to display its menu, and then click on Install Guest Additions to place the VBOXADDITIONS_3 icon on your Ubuntu desktop and display its window.Press the right Ctrl key to switch the mouse and keyboard to your Ubuntu guest, and then click OK to close the "VBOXADDITIONS_3" window.
3. Double-click on VBOXADDITIONS_3 icon to display the "File Browser" window, and then copy VBoxLinuxAdditions-x86.run to your home folder.
4. Click on Applications to display its menu, click on Accessories to display its menu, click on Terminal to open its window, and then type (after the "$" prompt) sudo chmod +x VBoxLinuxAdditions-x86.run, press Enter to display a password prompt, and then press Enter to display the "$" prompt.
5. Type sudo apt-get install dkms.gcc, press Enter to display "Do you want to continue [Y/n]?" Press Y, and then press Enter to update kernel packages through DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) and display the "$" prompt.
6. Type sudo apt-get install linux-hearders-$(uname -r), press Enter to install Linux headers and display the "$" prompt, type sudo ./VBoxLinusAddtions-x86.run, and then press Enter to install the guest additions and display the "$" prompt.
7. Close the "Terminal" window, restart Ubuntu to display a "VirtualBox-Information" window that explains "mouse pointer integration," and then click OK to close the information window.

Calibrating Your Ubuntu Video Display

Hardware capabilities vary among PCs. Therefore, after you install Ubuntu guest additions, your Ubuntu guest operating system might not display its windows correctly. For example, after you switch from Ubuntu to XP, and then back again, the Ubuntu window might be partially blank. If you think that calibrating your Ubuntu video display might improve it, try the following procedure:

1. Double-click on the Sun VirtualBox desktop icon to open its window.
2. Click on the Settings icon (orange gear) to display its window; in the left frame, select Display, to display its "Video" page.
3. Adjust the Video Memory setting if you think doing so might improve your Ubuntu video display. You can experiment with this setting, and then reset it later.
4. Turn off (uncheck) Enable 3D Acceleration if you think doing so might improve your Ubuntu video display. You can experiment with this setting, and then reset it later.
5. Shut down your Ubuntu guest, and close the "Sun VirtualBox" window.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5, experimenting with the settings in steps 3 and 4, until you have calibrated your Ubuntu video display to your satisfaction.