Linux Lab — VirtualBox & Oracle Linux ISO Setup

Once both downloads complete, open your Downloads folder (or wherever you saved them). You should see two files: the VirtualBox installer (.exe) and the Extension Pack (.vbox-extpack). Always install the base VirtualBox application before applying the Extension Pack.

Double-click the VirtualBox .exe installer to launch it. When you open the downloaded VirtualBox software it will take you to the installation wizard. Windows may show a User Account Control (UAC) prompt — click Yes to allow the installation. The setup wizard will guide you through the installation process.

The VirtualBox Setup Wizard will open. Click Next to proceed through the installation screens. You can keep all default settings — the default installation path and features are suitable for a DBA lab environment. Do not change any component selections unless you have a specific reason.

During installation, VirtualBox will display a Network Interface warning — this is normal. It informs you that your network connection will be briefly interrupted as VirtualBox installs its virtual network adapters. Click Yes to accept and continue. These virtual adapters are required for VM networking.

Once you have reviewed the pre-installation summary, click Install to begin the actual installation process. VirtualBox will copy files, install drivers, and configure virtual network adapters. A progress bar will show the installation status. The process typically takes 2–5 minutes.

Once the installation finishes, the wizard shows a completion screen. Keep the checkbox selected to Start Oracle VM VirtualBox after installation, then click Finish. VirtualBox Manager will open automatically, confirming the installation was successful.

Now we need to download the Oracle Linux 7.9 ISO image. Open your browser and go to the Oracle Software Delivery Cloud (eDelivery) portal at the URL below. This is Oracle's official distribution site for all Oracle software, including certified OS images. Sign in with your Oracle account to proceed.

After signing in, use the search bar to find the ISO image. Type Oracle Linux 7.9 in the search field and click the Search button (or press Enter). The search results will display the available Oracle Linux 7.9 packages. DBAs always download Oracle Linux from the official eDelivery portal to ensure they have a certified, supported OS image.

Click on Oracle Linux 7.9.0.0.0 (Oracle Linux) from the search results. Clicking on it will add the ISO image to your download cart. Then click on View Items / Continue in the top-right area to proceed to the download selection screen.

The cart screen shows the selected Oracle Linux 7.9 package. Review the items listed and click Continue to proceed to the platform and file selection screen. Here you confirm you want to download Oracle Linux for your target architecture.

Oracle will display the Oracle Linux License Agreement. Read the agreement carefully. Check the checkbox to confirm you have read and agree to the terms, then click Continue. You cannot proceed to the download without accepting the license.

The file selection screen shows multiple files. Uncheck all unnecessary items and select only the specific ISO file: Oracle Linux Release 7 Update 9 for x86 (64 bit), 4.5 GB. Selecting only the required file avoids downloading gigabytes of unnecessary packages. Click the download button to begin.

Oracle uses a Download Manager to handle large file downloads. Click the .exe file to open and run the Oracle Download Manager as shown in the screenshot. The Download Manager handles the 4.5 GB ISO download reliably, with pause and resume capability — important for large files on slower connections.