The biggest challenge is getting started with the guest operating system.

Without any further reading of the otherwise very helpful user manual, users are unlikely to understand which to pick. The first step in the setup process, for example, provides four disk image file options, which requires the user's attention.

One standout aspect of VirtualBox is its various customization options, however this can quickly become a hassle for rookie virtual machine users or those that are less computer-savvy. This includes support for USB 2.0, 3.0, VB RDP, disk encryption NVMe and PXE boot for Intel cards. Those looking to further extend the functionality of the virtual machine need to download an additional extension pack, available for free from Oracle. There is a basic package which nicely isolates the guest software (for example: Windows 10) from the host operating system (in our case macOS). Whenever opting to use free software, users have to accept both the advantages and necessary drawbacks that come with it – and the same goes for Oracle's VirtualBox. Oracle specializes in developing services for software, platforms, infrastructure and data – which all come together with VirtualBox to help make it a very intriguing prospect. Behind VirtualBox is the Oracle Corporation, a well-known American technology corporation based in Redwood Shores, California.

Although having the software match the highest expectations will require a few extra steps and further reading of how-tos and the user manual, VirtualBox is worth the time investment because the result is a safe and solid environment where it is easy to perform any desired task in the selected operating system. Free software, however, simplifies things, and this is precisely how VirtualBox helps users to get their job done: namely, running multiple operating systems at the same time without the cost of a whole new computer or the hassle of a Boot Camp reboot. Picking a preference out of virtual machine software is a hard decision when there are two or more similarly priced solutions. Some features require additional software and/or steps.

Oracle virtualbox for mac