Oracle VM VirtualBox (for Mac)

VirtualBox is a free, powerful virtualization utility that runs a vast range of Intel-based guest OSes, but it has some rough edges and lacks features offered by the commercial competition.

Installer

This is VirtualBox's installation disk image for OS X. Don't lose the disk image file, because you'll need that VirtualBox_Uninstall.tool if you ever want to remove VirtualBox from your system.

New Guest Machine

This interface is where you create a new guest machine. Start by clicking the New button near the top left.

Version Control

VirtualBox supports almost every Windows version ever made, and an equally wide range of Linux and other OSes.

RAM Control

As in most other virtualization apps, you can use a wizard to fine-tune settings like the amount of virtual RAM in a guest system.

Formatting Your Virtual Disk

VirtualBox can create a virtual hard disk in any current format, making it easy to create guest systems compatible with other virtualization apps.

Summary Screen

This cluttered-looking screen is VirtualBox's summary of settings for your guest machine.

Shared Folders

VirtualBox allows fine-tuned settings for shared folders, so you can protect folders on the host from malware that might get installed on the guest system.

Menu Modifications

VirtualBox provides an easy drag-and-drop interface for modifying and simplifying its own menus.