How to Set Up an Immutable Linux Distro in a Virtual Machine

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been exploring immutable Linux distributions and the unique advantages they offer. If you’re intrigued by their stability and security but hesitant to install one directly on your machine, setting up an immutable distro in a virtual machine (VM) is the perfect way to test the waters. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to create your own VM using VirtualBox and experience the power of immutable Linux firsthand.

Why Use a Virtual Machine?

Virtual machines let you explore new operating systems safely and without modifying your primary system. Whether you’re testing Fedora Silverblue, openSUSE MicroOS, or another immutable distro, running it in a VM ensures that your main environment stays untouched.

Getting Started

Here’s what you’ll need:

VirtualBox: A free and open-source virtualization tool. You can download it from here.
ISO File: The installation media for the immutable Linux distro you want to try (e.g., Fedora Silverblue or openSUSE MicroOS).

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Install VirtualBox

Download VirtualBox from its official website and install it on your system.
During installation, allow any necessary permissions for network and virtualization drivers.

2. Download the ISO

Head to the official website of your chosen immutable Linux distro and download its ISO file.
- Fedora Silverblue ISO
- openSUSE MicroOS ISO

3. Create a New Virtual Machine

Open VirtualBox and click New.
Enter a name for your VM, such as “Fedora Silverblue VM”.
Set the Type to “Linux” and the Version to match your ISO (e.g., “Fedora (64-bit)”).
Allocate resources:

Memory: Assign at least 4GB (4096MB) of RAM.
Storage: Set up a dynamic storage disk with at least 20GB.

4. Configure the VM

Before starting the VM, adjust these settings:

System > Processor: Increase the CPU count to 2 or more for better performance.
Display > Video Memory: Maximize video memory to 128MB for a smoother UI experience.
Storage: Click on the empty disk icon, choose your downloaded ISO file, and attach it as the virtual CD/DVD.

5. Boot and Install the Immutable Distro

Start your VM by clicking Start.
The VM will boot from the ISO. Follow the installation prompts, just as you would on a physical machine.
For Fedora Silverblue or openSUSE MicroOS, choose default options during installation for the best experience.

6. Experience the Immutable Magic

Once installation is complete, reboot the VM and remove the ISO from the virtual CD/DVD drive.
Explore your immutable distro. Use its package management tools like rpm-ostree (Silverblue) or transactional-update (MicroOS) to make updates safely.

Tips for the Best Experience

Snapshots: VirtualBox lets you take snapshots of your VM. Use this feature to roll back changes if something goes wrong during your exploration.
Shared Folders: Set up shared folders in VirtualBox to transfer files between your host and the VM.
Networking: Use “Bridged Adapter” mode in VirtualBox’s network settings if you want your VM to behave like a device on your local network.

Why Try an Immutable Distro in a VM?

Setting up an immutable Linux distro in VirtualBox is the perfect way to understand how these systems work without committing to them on bare metal. You can experiment with their unique update models, test software installations, and explore their robustness—all from the safety of a virtual environment.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re testing Fedora Silverblue, openSUSE MicroOS, or another immutable distro, using VirtualBox makes the process accessible and safe. Give it a try, and let me know how your experience goes.

Have questions or run into issues? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!

Beesley.tech