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Ubuntu 16.04, also known as Xenial Xerus, was a popular long-term support (LTS) release of the Ubuntu operating system. It provided a stable and reliable platform for both beginners and experienced users. If you’re interested in running Ubuntu 16.04 for development, testing, or learning purposes, one of the best ways to do so is by installing it in VMWare Workstation. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing Ubuntu 16.04 in VMWare Workstation. Before we dive into the installation process, let’s take a moment to understand why using VMWare Workstation is an excellent choice for running Ubuntu 16.04.

Why VMWare Workstation?

VMWare Workstation is a robust virtualization platform that allows you to create and manage virtual machines (VMs) on your Windows or Linux host system. It offers several advantages for running Ubuntu 16.04:

• Isolation: Virtualization ensures that your Ubuntu 16.04 installation is isolated from your host system. This means you can experiment with Ubuntu without affecting your primary operating system;
• Snapshot and Cloning: VMWare Workstation allows you to take snapshots of your VM at different stages, making it easy to roll back to a previous state if something goes wrong. You can also clone VMs to save time on setting up multiple Ubuntu instances;
• Hardware Compatibility: VMWare Workstation provides excellent hardware compatibility and support for a wide range of guest operating systems, including Ubuntu 16.04;
• Resource Management: You can allocate specific resources, such as CPU cores, RAM, and storage, to your Ubuntu VM to ensure optimal performance.

Now, let’s get started with the installation process.

Step 1: Prepare for Installation

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

1. A copy of Ubuntu 16.04 ISO image, which you can download from the official Ubuntu website;
2. VMWare Workstation installed on your host system. You can download a free trial version from the VMWare website.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VMWare Workstation;
2. Click on “File” and select “New Virtual Machine.”;
3. In the New Virtual Machine Wizard, choose “Typical” and click “Next.”;
4. Select “I will install the operating system later” and click “Next.”;
5. Choose “Linux” as the guest operating system and “Ubuntu 64-bit” as the version. Click “Next.”;
6. Enter a name for your virtual machine and choose a location to store it. Click “Next.”;
7. Allocate the desired amount of RAM to your VM. For Ubuntu 16.04, 2 GB or more is recommended. Click “Next.”;
8. Select “Use bridged networking” to allow your VM to have its own IP address on your network. Click “Next.”;
9. Create a new virtual disk for your VM or use an existing one. It’s recommended to allocate at least 20 GB of storage space. Click “Next.”;
10. Review your settings and click “Finish” to create the VM.

Step 3: Configure Virtual Machine Settings

1. In the VMWare Workstation interface, right-click on your newly created VM and select “Settings.”;
2. Under the “Hardware” tab, ensure that your CD/DVD drive is set to “Use ISO image file” and browse to the Ubuntu 16.04 ISO file you downloaded earlier;
3. Click on the “Options” tab and adjust the settings to your preference. You can configure things like the number of CPU cores and enable 3D graphics acceleration if needed;
4. Click “OK” to save the settings.

Step 4: Install Ubuntu 16.04

1. Start the VM by right-clicking on it and selecting “Power > Power On.”;
2. The VM will boot from the Ubuntu ISO image. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu 16.04;
3. During the installation, you will be prompted to choose your language, timezone, keyboard layout, and create a user account. Follow the prompts and make your selections;
4. When you reach the “Installation Type” screen, choose “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” if you want to use the entire virtual disk for Ubuntu. Alternatively, you can choose “Something else” for advanced partitioning options;
5. Complete the installation process by following the remaining prompts, including setting a password for your user account and configuring software updates.

Step 5: Post-Installation Setup

Once the installation is complete, you can perform some post-installation setup tasks:

1. Install VMWare Tools: VMWare Tools enhances the performance and integration of your VM. To install it, go to “VM > Install VMWare Tools” within the VM, and follow the on-screen instructions;
2. Update Your System: Open a terminal and run the following commands to update your system:

sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade

3. Install Additional Software: You can install additional software packages as needed using the Ubuntu Software Center or the command line.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Ubuntu 16.04 in VMWare Workstation. You now have a fully functional Ubuntu environment within a virtual machine.

Conclusion

Installing Ubuntu 16.04 in VMWare Workstation is a straightforward process that allows you to explore and experiment with this popular Linux distribution in a virtualized environment. VMWare Workstation’s flexibility and robust feature set make it an excellent choice for running Ubuntu 16.04 on various host operating systems. With this step-by-step guide and the FAQs provided, you should have no trouble setting up your Ubuntu 16.04 virtual machine and getting started with your Linux journey. For enhanced comprehension, refer to this video: 

FAQs