Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
I depend on virtual machines. With them, I can easily use and review any Linux distribution on the market. I can also deploy various services on my network. For example, I have an instance of InvoicePlane that runs as a virtual machine (and I use daily to bill clients). I've used virtual machines for all sorts of things, and they have made my life considerably better.
One of the tools I use to run virtual machines is VirtualBox. This application makes it possible to run guest operating systems, such as Linux, MacOS, and Windows, which gives me endless flexibility.
Also: Your old MacBook's days are numbered, as Apple confirms end of support
VirtualBox is one of the easiest virtual machine managers I've ever used, and it's also free.
For a long time on MacOS, VirtualBox was limited to Intel-only devices. However, it's now possible to use VirtualBox on your M1/M2/M3/M4 Macs. Initial support for Apple Silicon was introduced in late 2024, and it's now usable and stable.
This is a big change because running VirtualBox on MacOS devices has always been a tricky proposition. Some attempted to run VirtualBox with Rosetta 2, but that was a failed experiment.
Now you don't have to worry about such things, as there's an installer available specific to M-series MacBooks and iMacs. Because of that, anyone with an Apple Silicon-powered Mac can enjoy virtual machine technology without the headache of complex software. Once you start using virtual machines, you'll wonder how you managed without them.
But how do you pull off this feat? It's much easier than you think.
How to download the right installer
... continue reading