[Optional] Using Windows

For this bootcamp, it is highly recommended to use either Linux or macOS.  

If you are using Windows, the easiest route is to install Ubuntu Linux inside VirtualBox.




Installing Ubuntu

What is VirtualBox?  

VirtualBox is a free virtualization program from Oracle that allows you to run another operating system within a window, just as you would any other application on your PC. It runs an operating system of your choice in a so-called Virtual Machine (VM), a software-based computer that runs inside (and alongside) your main operating system as if it were a completely separate physical PC.

How to Install Ubuntu

To install Ubuntu in VirtualBox, I would recommend you follow this guide. It will walk you through how to:

  • Install VirtualBox
  • Download Ubuntu Image (a digital copy of the Ubuntu installation DVD)
  • Creating a virtual machine and installing Ubuntu on it




Install Guest Additions

What are Guest Additions?

Guest additions is a small driver package that makes Ubuntu run more smoothly in VirtualBox—better screen-resizing, shared clipboard, and folder sharing.

Installing Guest Additions

Once you have your Ubuntu VM running,

1. Start the Ubuntu VM and log in

2. VirtualBox menu → Devices → Insert Guest Additions CD image…  

3. Ubuntu will prompt to run the installer—click Run, enter your password, and wait for the script to finish

4. Reboot the VM




Start a Terminal

In this boot camp, you will use command-line commands a lot. You can run them using the Terminal application. To start it:

1. Press the Super/Windows key or click the Activities button

2. Type “terminal” and click the Terminal icon (black rectangle with a prompt).


You’re ready to follow the rest of the course!