VirtualBox Introduces New Features, Some Experimental
The free virtualization product VirtualBox has released a new version 2.1 that not only supports 3D graphics, but the full VMDK and VHD formats from VMware and Microsoft.
VirtualBox 2.1 is the first virtualization project from Sun Microsystems to provide hardware-based 3D support on an OpenGL foundation. Direct3D support, as offered by VMware, was deferred to a future release. Although all the various supported platforms include the experimental 3D acceleration feature, only Windows guest setups can actually use it. The software also supports 64-bit guests on 32-bit hosts, again on an experimental basis only.
Notably, the new VirtualBox fully supports the virtual machine file formats from VMware (.vmdk) and Microsoft (.vhd). Initial testing by this magazine, however, showed that VirtualBox ignores existing VMware snapshots.
One major enhancement involving the network is a new NAT engine that should provide "significantly better" performance and reliability, along with ICMP echo (ping) support. The changelog contains the complete list of new VirtualBox 2.1 feature and fixes.
Comments
comments powered by DisqusSubscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
System76 Retools Thelio Desktop
The new Thelio Mira has landed with improved performance, repairability, and front-facing ports alongside a high-quality tempered glass facade.
Huh
And i've tried Virtualbox 2.1 recently on my own Vista-based system. Will have to admit,
if I get XP installed as guest, I'll have to try it with 3D Opengl game/program.
Tom