Table of Contents

Part 1: How to Install and Setup Debian on a Virtual Machine

This page will get you started on installing Debian OS using VirtualBox and let you install and switch to a desktop environment of your choosing.

Installation

This section will show you how to install Debian OS on a VirtualBox Virtual Machine.

Note: The version we will be using is Debian 12.9.0 codenamed Bookworm.

1. Install Debian version 12.9.0 .iso file from the website www.debian.org.

2. Open Oracle VirtualBox.

3. Click on New.

4. Go under the Name and Operating System tab.

5. Type in the name of the OS which is Debian.

6. At ISO Image, click the drop down menu and click Other.

7. Choose the downloaded Debian .iso file.

8. Go under the Unattended Install tab.

9. Change the username and password to your liking.

10. Go under the Hardware tab. You can change the Base Memory and Processors according to your liking. We will keep it as is.

11. Go under the Hard Disk tab. You can change the hard disk space and other settings. We will keep it as is.

12. Click Finish.

13. Wait for the installation to finish.

14. After installation, it should look like this.

15. Click the username and sign in using the password you set before.

16. Debian OS is now installed successfully!

Installing Windows Manager

The following steps will show you how to install another desktop environment. We will be utilizing tasksel.

Note: Debian 12.9.0 comes preinstalled with GNOME desktop environment.

1. In the terminal, type: 

sudo tasksel



Notice that the terminal will look like this.

Note: If you are unable to run sudo commands, follow the instructions on this link.

2. We want to install the Xfce desktop environment. Navigate the menu using up and down key. Press space to mark Xfce for installation. Make sure there is the (*) symbol.

3. Press Tab until Ok button is highlighted. Press Enter.

4. Wait for the installation to finish.

5. Once the installation finish, we will try and switch to the Xfce desktop environment. Click the top right button on the screen.

6. Click the power button.

7. Click Log Out…

8. Now, click your user.

9. Click the Gear icon on the bottom right corner.

10. Click Xfce Session.

11. Login as usual.

12. Notice that your desktop looks different. You have successfully changed your desktop environment!

Now you are all set and ready to explore your very own Debian OS!