Virtual Box
MacRun multiple operating systems on your Mac
Overview
VirtualBox is a free, open-source virtualization tool that lets Mac users run Windows, Linux, and other OSes alongside macOS without rebooting. It supports hardware virtualization, snapshotting for easy system state saves, and shared folders for seamless file transfers between host and guest systems. With customizable VM settings (CPU, memory, storage), it’s ideal for developers testing cross-platform apps, IT pros experimenting with configurations, or users accessing legacy software. Its intuitive interface suits beginners while offering advanced features for power users.
Key Features
- Run multiple OSes alongside macOS
- Snapshot and restore virtual machine states
- Shared folders between host and guest systems
- Customizable VM resources (CPU, memory, storage)
- Hardware virtualization support
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Free and open-source with no hidden costs
- ⊕ Wide compatibility with various guest operating systems
- ⊕ Snapshot functionality for easy backup and testing
Cons
- ⊖ Performance may lag for resource-intensive VMs compared to premium tools
- ⊖ Occasional compatibility hiccups with latest macOS updates