Change size/shape of VirtualBox window?
 

I'm using Virtualbox 1.5.0.6 on Mandriva 2008 (KDE). Is there a way I can change the size/shape of the window that the VB guest runs in?

I'd like to run two different guests literally side by side to compare them, but the VB window is the wrong shape/size to do this. I could overlap two VB windows with guests running in each but that isn't as good. I can change the size of the VB window by changing the screen resolution of its guest but if I make it the proper shape to put two side by side, the display is distorted; this method isn't very handy either.

So I'm hoping there's a way to just drag the VB window's sides around like any other windows.

?????

In faith, Dave
Viva Texas

Registered linux user #417229

yes well this is difficult and I agree that distortion thru changing the vm resolutions is not a solution.

can I suggest a slight diversion?

open window 1 and r/Ctrl + f to max
ditto window 2 for second vm

then just use the mouse to click between windows?

2) Are you trying to test boot up speeds or write large file speeds? because there is software for that, or open one at a time and just time it.

I did try the full-screen option, but that just uses up the entire screen with the same-sized VM window and a large blank space around it ^_^. And, my objective is to be able to look at the two windows side by side so I can directly compare things... like if one is easier to configure in certain areas than the other, or if one looks better, or similar things. I CAN do it by putting the two windows on the same desktop overlapped, and clicking between them, but that's a pain.

I don't think anyone has tried to help me from down under before. Thanks... Computers is great!

In faith, Dave
Viva Texas

By golly, I'm beginning to think Linux really *is* the best thing since sliced bread.

Doesn't the VB window take the dimensions dictated by the underlying screen resolutions? I assume that if both are, say, 1280x1024, they will have the same size windows. I'm sure that's how mine work.

VirtualBox fixes the drawn area within the window to the screen resolution of the virtual machine's settings. In the case of a virtual version of Windows, VirtualBox provides special drivers which are installed within the virtual machine's OS and allow the screen resolution to be changes to any size, making it possible to drag the window to any size and have the virtualised OS change the virtual screen resolution accordingly.

AFAIK, such special drivers are not available for other [virtualised] OSes... you must set the screen resolution in your virtual OS manually, and it will not be arbitrary.

Well, the question was worth a shot. Thanks.

In faith, Dave
Viva Texas

Registered linux user #417229