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How to Increase Screen Size or Resolution in Virtualbox for Ubuntu or Linux

Nerd Grind — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:56:54 +0000

When a new Virtual Machine, or Virtual PC, is setup in Virtualbox for Ubuntu, or another Linux flavor, the screen size and screen resolution may be fixed smaller than your maximum resolution setting. This problem can be fixed by installing Guest Additions.

Guest Additions comes with Virtualbox, but is installed after you setup your Virtual Machine, or Guest OS, to add features such as increased screen size or screen resolution. On the test PC for this example the maximum resolution is 1280 x 1024. After loading Ubuntu under Virtualbox bring up the Display Preference by going into System -> Preferences -> Display. The maximum resolution option listed is 800 x 600.

Installing Guest Additions from Gnome Desktop

To get a bigger screen resolution we will need to install Guest Additions. On the Virtualbox File Menu click on Devices -> Install Guest Additions.

You should now see a vboxadditions_x file now located on your Ubuntu desktop.

To open the vboxadditions file either double click on the file, or right-click and then click Open.

Now double click the autorun.sh file. The vboxadditions file contains installation choices for a few different Linux versions including both 32 bit and 64 bit versions. By using the autorun.sh file you allow the script to automatically detect, and install the right software for your OS.

Now click Run.

The autorun.sh will open a Shell window and begin installing the files.

Once the autorun.sh file has completed installing the Guest Additions software all you have to do is hit Enter to close the Window.

Now reboot Ubuntu for the new files to load properly.

After you return to the Ubuntu desktop click System -> Preferences -> Display.

Under Display Preferences you will see the resolution is at 1152 x 864, which is still not the maximum resolution.

On the Virtualbox File Menu click on Machine -> Fullscreen Mode.

Once in Fullscreen Mode go to System -> Preferences -> Display again, and you will now see the maximum screen resolution is 1280 x 1024.

Installing Guest Additions from the Command Line Terminal Window

To install Guest Addtions from the Terminal window Command Line in Ubuntu click Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal.

At the Bash prompt ($) type:

cd /media/cdrom0

Hit Enter.

Now type:

dir

Hit Enter. This will give you a listing of all the files in the vboxadditions file directory. We want to run the autorun.sh so that script can install the right files for us.

Type:

sudo sh autorun.sh

Hit Enter.

The autorun.sh file should automatically change the proper permissions to run and install the vboxadditions file that will work on your OS.

The autorun.sh will open a Shell window and begin installing the files. Once the autorun.sh file has completed installing the Guest Additions software all you have to do is hit Enter to close the Window.

Linux Finally Ported to Apple iPhone and iPod Touch – Video

Nerd Grind — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:29:38 +0000

Linux has finally been ported to the iPhone and iPod touch. Several independent developers have masterminded the project, bringing everyone’s favorite open-source OS to Apple’s handhelds. It may not offer any touchscreen drivers, sound or WiFi support, its still the first step to hack heaven.

The team also has dropped hints that they may be thinking about porting Android in the near future. Below is a video of how to get the OS going on your iPhone and yeah, thank us later. Happy holidays.

Clarion Releases ClarionMiND MID in the US for $649.99

Nerd Grind — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:23:21 +0000

Clarion’s MiND mobile internet device is finally set to launch. As promised, it is November and the device is available. It comes in black, red or white hues. The MID boasts a 4.8-inch WVGA (800 x 480) touchscreen. It comes preloaded with maps of the entire US and Canada, RealPlayer, Linux OS, an Intel Atom CPU, 512MB of RAM, a 4GB SSD, Firefox browser, Bluetooth 2.0 / WiFi, a microSD card slot, 2 USB ports and a battery good for 1.5-hours of usage. Phew. The unit is pricey though, coming in at $649.99. Full-fledged netbooks are cheaper than that. Still, it is convenient for sure. Check a presentation video below:

Dell Mini 9 Netbook Hacked to Offer Touchscreen Support

Nerd Grind — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:02:57 +0000

The Dell Mini 9 is one mod-friendly netbook. First people hacked OSX support. Then, someone figured out a way a rig a working GPS unit into the system. And now? A user named Deldotb of the myDellMini forums has turned the screen into a functional touchscreen.

They did it by strapping on one of those eBay touch panels and loading the appropriate Ubuntu drivers. It seems rather easy to do, the only negative being the loss of a USB port. Below is a video they made to show off the discovery. What’s next for the little netbook that could? Minesweeper?

ARM Teams With Canonical to Bring Ubuntu Support to Netbooks

Nerd Grind — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:51:06 +0000

ARM has teamed with Canonical to bring along Ubuntu support to netbooks. The two firms have collaborated to "bring the full Ubuntu Desktop operating system to the ARMv7 processor architecture (targeting the Cortex-A8 and Cortex -A9 in particular) to address demand from device manufacturers." The companies have asserted that this move is an attempt to outfit netbooks with ARM. The fruits of this collaboration will not begin to show up in computers until April of 2009, however.Click here for more information.

HP Releases Mini 1000 Netbook – To Offer Linux Option

Nerd Grind — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:25:28 +0000

HP is attempting to revive the sluggish netbook market with it’s Mini 1000 netbook. The Mini 1000 will offer an aggressive price point, a polished Linux OS and a skinny aesthetic. As rumored, the Mini 1000 will be ditching VIA an sticking with an Atom 1.6GHz N270 processor. The system will also offer a 10.2-inch display at 1024 x 600 resolution. HP is offering 512MB, 1GB and 2GB RAM configurations, but those with Windows XP will be limited to just 1GB. On the storage front, the company offers the choice of a 60GB 4200 rpm HDD or a 8GB or 16GB SSD. The Mini 1000 also has an SD slot, VGA webcam, 802.11b/g, optional Bluetooth, Ethernet and dual USB plugs.

The netbook also offers a competitive choice between Oses. You can stick with your standard XP, but for $20 dollars less you will be suited with a specialized version of the Ubuntu-based Linux OS, codenamed "MIE."

The XP version is available today for $399, and the Linux MIE version will drop in January for $379.

NerdGrind - How-to Computer Help - Tutorials - Tech and Gadget News » Ubuntu

How to Increase Screen Size or Resolution in Virtualbox for Ubuntu or Linux

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Linux Finally Ported to Apple iPhone and iPod Touch – Video

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Clarion Releases ClarionMiND MID in the US for $649.99

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Dell Mini 9 Netbook Hacked to Offer Touchscreen Support

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ARM Teams With Canonical to Bring Ubuntu Support to Netbooks

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HP Releases Mini 1000 Netbook – To Offer Linux Option

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