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Old 04-01-2019, 09:05 PM   #1
Summer Deep
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Ubuntu Guest Additions Question


Hello, I've got a fairly straightforward (I hope) question.

I have experience of a good number of Linux distros, both as conventionally installed systems and on Virtualbox, but I'm essentially a casual user and my knowledge of Linux technicalities is very superficial......

Anyway, I wanted to install the Guest Additions package to Ubuntu 18.04 on Virtualbox, and the first step it appeared was to type 'sudo apt install linux-headers-$(uname -r) build-essential dkms' in the terminal. I haven't a clue what this means, incidentally.

For some reason, the OS could not execute the command, and suggested I try again later. I decided nevertheless to go into 'Devices' and try installing the Guest Additions cd. To my surprise, it seemed to install fine, and Ubuntu booted up in full screen mode (which was the main reason for my installing the Additions). There was a warning just before this about the system not being 'set up to build kernel modules' or similar.

I've been using the Ubuntu virtual machine to surf the net, and nothing untoward has occurred, but I can't help feeling that there may be issues at some point.

Could anyone please explain to me, in as untechnical a way as possible, what may be going on here?


EDIT: Re-reading that an hour or so later, it seemed maybe a bit vague. What I'd really like to know is what is the purpose of that terminal command, and what difference does it make if it is not used or executed?

Last edited by Summer Deep; 04-01-2019 at 11:14 PM.
 
Old 04-02-2019, 06:43 AM   #2
pan64
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sudo is used to run commands as another user (usually root) - see man sudo for details
apt is used to handle packages - again, see man apt
apt install <name list> will install the specified packages and their dependencies: build-essential dkms and linux-headers-<version>
uname -r just returns the current version of the kernel - again, see man uname
These packages are required to be able to install VBoxAdditions successfully.
 
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Old 04-02-2019, 03:39 PM   #3
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Thanks for the reply. I'm actually familiar with the basic purpose of the sudo command in the Ubuntu family of distros. What I'm really trying to find out is in what specific respects the VBox additions will not be successfully installed without the 'build-essential dkms and linux headers' packages. As I said, my Ubuntu VBox machine appears on the surface to be running without problems at the moment.

My fault really for asking not to be overwhelmed with technical details!
 
Old 04-02-2019, 03:43 PM   #4
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The commands you provided will pull in and build a kernel module based on the headers for your kernel. I suspect VirtualBox needs a kernel module in order to run with the guest additions.
 
Old 04-02-2019, 08:22 PM   #5
jsbjsb001
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sevendogsbsd View Post
...
I suspect VirtualBox needs a kernel module in order to run with the guest additions.
VirtualBox needs a kernel module to run any VM's full stop - with or without guest additions.
 
Old 04-03-2019, 07:42 AM   #6
sevendogsbsd
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsbjsb001 View Post
VirtualBox needs a kernel module to run any VM's full stop - with or without guest additions.
I thought so but it appeared the OP was already using VB so I wasn't sure.
 
Old 04-03-2019, 08:42 AM   #7
pan64
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I think the addition requires some [additional] kernel module too, but I'm not really sure about that. Need to check.
 
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Old 04-23-2019, 03:33 PM   #8
bennieatose
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Ubuntu Guest Additions Question

Yes, i got this message when i attempt to click on Install VMware Tools
I tried some tutorials on manually install VmWare tools on ubuntu but i gave up after severals hours attenpting that.
 
  


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