SCS Self-Service Ubuntu Virtual Machine

Off Campus and need a Virtual Machine (VM)? 

Our UNIX Engineering Team now offers an integrated, self-service virtual machine image which is best suited for use when not using the SCS wired network. This VM is a stock Ubuntu 22.04 LTS install, and is provisioned with the core services to work directly within the SCS environment, including Kerberos authentication and access to AFS. While this VM will not receive nightly updates from SCS Computing Facilities repositories, it will receive unattended upgrades directly from Canonical. This VM is free and does not qualify for SCS software support.

Desktop virtualization (type 2) is convenient as it can be run on most desktop operating systems and can be leveraged only when needed. Use Oracle's VirtualBox to run the self-service Ubuntu VM.  We can only guarantee compatibility with VirtualBox. If you require SCS support, consider using a fully-supported VM solution. You can request a VM for your SCS-supported computer through our online equipment registration form. 

About our SCS Self-Service Ubuntu VM

The SCS Integrated Stand-Alone Ubuntu VM is a light-weight virtual machine image built in Oracle VirtualBox. This image was created using a Ubuntu 22.04 live server AMD64 ISO. This VM includes modifications to the default Ubuntu installation that allow use of core services we offer.

The configuration of the Virtual Machine image includes:

• 64-Bit Ubuntu
• Memory: 4096MB
• VRAM: 128MB
• CPU: 2 Cores
• Partitioning/Disk Images: /home and / are separated; the /home directory being on a separate virtual disk image than the root (/) filesystem allows for easier VM OS Upgrades.
• The ability to authenticate against your credentials for Andrew or CS Kerberos Credentials
• The CrashPlan backup client is preinstalled.  Users are encouraged to employ the service for managed data backups.
• Access to the CMU AFS directory structure

For more information, read the release notes.

Download and Install

Steps to download and install the stand-alone VM.

1. Download and install Oracle VirtualBox.
2. Download our OVA file.
3. Open Virtualbox.
4. Click "File "→ "Import Appliance".
5. Select OVA file that was just downloaded, then click “Import”.

User Credentials

First time login will require the following credentials:

• Default username: vmadmin
• Default Password: Change this Password!
• Default Hostname for 20.04 VM: scs-u2004-vm
• Default Hostname for 22.04 VM: scs-u2204-vm

NOTE:  upon first login you will be prompted to change password

Best Practices

• Create a local account with the same username as your Andrew/scs user id. More information on the Ubuntu website.
• Network configuration is set to NAT through the host computer. More information about VirtualBox network configuration is available on the VirtualBox website.
• You can change your VM's hostname. Visit Ubuntu's website for more information.
• SCS public printing: To enable printing to our public printers, a user would need to have their SCS/Andrew ID configured on the machine.  The default print host is <AndrewID>@scs-print.srv.cs.cmu.edu.
• If any valuable data is stored on the machine, it is important that backup your VM regularly. We offer Crashplan access to our community and the client is installed on this VM by default. The service is free of cost but requires registration.

About VirtualBox

VirtualBox is a powerful x86 and AMD64/Intel64 virtualization product. It has a significant offering of features, reliable performance, and steady updates and improvements. Presently, VirtualBox runs on Windows, Linux, Macintosh, and Solaris hosts. VirtualBox supports a large number of guest operating systems.

VirtualBox is being actively developed with frequent releases and has an ever-growing list of features, supported guest operating systems and platforms it runs on. VirtualBox is a community effort backed by a dedicated company: everyone is encouraged to contribute while Oracle ensures the product always meets professional quality criteria. You can download VirtualBox from Oracle's VirtualBox website.