Installation: Virtual Environment
Table of contents
For this course, you will need to have a Linux machine. We can easily achieve this by installing a Linux virtual machine on our current computers. A virtual machine is software that you run on your computer that emulates a whole new, different computer. If you have a Windows or MacOS computer, follow the instructions below to install a Linux virtual machine with VMware.
Note If you have a newer Mac with an M1 chip, you cannot install VMware Fusion Pro. One workaround is to install UTM. Way to check for chip type:
Apple Logo -> About This Mac -> Overview -> Processor. Follow the instructions at the end of the page to set up your virtual machine.
Install VMware
MIT’s IST Software page has numerous licensed software you can install, including VMware Pro. Scroll down their page to find the link for VMware. Downloading software from this page will require you to authenticate with your MIT Kerberos account.
For Windows users, install VMware Workstation Pro. Depending on your Windows version, download the appropriate version of VMware. The download link should be called “Windows” under Workstation 16 Pro or Workstation 15.5.2 Pro (at the time these instructions were written).
For Mac users, install VMWare Fusion Pro Depening on your MacOS version, download the appropriate version of VMware. The download link should be called “Software” under Fusion 12 Pro or Fusion 11.5.5 Pro (at the time these instructions were written). For visual instructions, view these slides.
Whether you have MacOS or Windows, you will need to copy the License Key from the same link you downloaded VMware (one of the above links. Click on the link called “License key” to get the key, and copy it to your clipboard with Ctrl-C or Cmd-C. When the setup wizard asks if you have a key, select “I have a license key” and paste it into the box below.
Continue through the setup wizard until you reach a Completed/thank you screen with Finish/Done.
Download ISO
You can directly download the ISO file here for Ubuntu 20.04.4 from the official Ubuntu website. This may take a while.
Upload ISO to VMWare
- For MacOS users, follow this tutorial to set up your Ubuntu 20.04 Virtual Machine.
- For Windows users, follow this tutorial to set up your Ubuntu 20.04 Virtual Machine.
For Macs with M1 Chip
Please follow the instructions on these slides if your MacBook has an M1 Chip.