The Unix Users Group maintains a virtual appliance based on Linux Mint that includes all the necessary software for the CS 101 labs. Then re-run the VirtualBox installer it should succeed this time.

Note for Mac users: If installation fails, open System Preferences, go to Security & Privacy, and then click Allow next to 'System software from 'Oracle America, Inc.' was blocked from loading'. Run the installer and accept all the default options (click 'next' until done). Go to and download the installer for your host operating system. VirtualBox is a free program that allows you to create and run 'virtual machines' on your computer. Thanks to virtualization, it's easier than ever to get Linux up at running at home. Part A: Outside of Class Step 1: Install VirtualBox This page is for CS 101 students who would like to run Linux on their own computers, without having to replace their current OS. Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon are all powered by Linux.

In contrast to operating systems like Windows and OS X, Linux is free and open-source.

The main computer labs in the JMU CS department run Linux Mint. James Madison University, Fall 2019 Semester

How to use virtualbox scientific linux