Running Knoppix+LKB Under VirtualBox

VirtualBox is a way to run Linux (or other operating systems) in parallel with OS X or Windows without rebooting. It provides a convenient way of running Knoppix+LKB, and may work on hardware that Knoppix+LKB does not support directly. It is, however, likely to be slower than running directly off CD.

Setup instructions

1. Visit VirtualBox.org and download the binary version for your operating system. You will need version 2.2.2 or later for Knoppix+LKB to function properly. Install VirtualBox on your system using the provided installer. The default settings will work fine for Knoppix+LKB. Note: On Windows Vista you will be prompted several times to install drivers. You can bypass these prompts by checking "Always trust software from Sun Microsystems" before clicking "Install" at the first prompt.
2. If you haven't already, download one of the Knoppix+LKB ISO images. You do not need to burn the .iso file to CD.
3. Open VirtualBox. Click "New" to open the Create New Virtual Machine wizard.
4. When prompted for an OS type, choose "Linux" for the operating system and "Debian" for the version.
5. The default base memory size of 256 megabytes will be enough to get started. If you work with complex grammars, you may need to increase this later.
6. On the Virtual Hard Disk screen, uncheck the Boot Hard Disk box. Click "Continue" in the warning dialog that appears.
7. After clicking the Finish button, you should see your new virtual machine listed. However, it's not ready to boot yet -- we need to tell it about the Knoppix+LKB CD image.
8. Click "File", "Virtual Media Manager".
9. Select the "CD/DVD Images" tab.
10. Click "Add". Browse to the file you downloaded in step 2, and click "Open". Click "OK" to close the Virtual Media Manager.
11. Select your new virtual machine in the left pane. Click "CD/DVD-ROM" in the right pane.
12. Check "Mount CD/DVD Drive" and "ISO Image File". Make sure the .iso file you downloaded is selected in the drop-down box. Click "OK" to close the Settings dialog.
13. That's it! Click "Start" to boot your new virtual machine. Knoppix+LKB should load. To use the mouse in the VirtualBox window, click inside it. (Be sure to read the dialog that will pop up explaining how to release the mouse again.)

-- Main.brodbd - 26 May 2009