Optimizing VirtualBox for Debian 11 running SWGEmu

Enhance the speed and performance of your Debian 11 virtual machine by configuring VirtualBox with optimal settings.

1. VirtualBox Settings Configuration

When creating or configuring your Debian 11 VM in VirtualBox, adjust the following settings:

a. General Setup

• Operating System Version: Select Debian 11 Bullseye (64-bit) during VM creation for compatibility.

b. System Settings

1. Motherboard Tab:
   • Base Memory: Allocate at least 12 GB of RAM. For optimal performance, allocate 24 GB, depending on your host system's capacity.
   • Boot Order: Ensure the hard disk is first in the boot order after installation.
2. Processor Tab:
   • Processor(s): Assign at least 4 CPU cores. For better performance, allocate 8 cores, but do not exceed 75% of your host's total cores to maintain host stability.
   • Execution Cap: Set to 100% to allow full utilization of the assigned CPU cores.
3. Acceleration Tab:
   • Hardware Virtualization: Ensure Enable VT-x/AMD-V and Enable Nested Paging are checked.
   • Paravirtualization Interface: Select KVM for improved performance with Linux guests.

c. Display Settings

• Video Memory: Set to the maximum available (128 MB).
• Graphics Controller: Choose VMSVGA for better compatibility with Linux.
• Acceleration: Check Enable 3D Acceleration to enhance graphical performance.

d. Storage Settings

1. Storage Devices:
   • Use SATA Controller: Ensure your virtual hard disk is connected via a SATA controller for better performance than IDE.
   • Solid-State Drive: If your host uses an SSD, check Solid-state Drive for the virtual disk.
2. Disk Type:
   • Fixed Size vs. Dynamically Allocated:
     • Fixed Size: Offers better performance; allocate sufficient disk space upfront.
   • Recommendation: Choose Fixed Size if disk space on the host allows.
3. Host I/O Cache:
   • Enable Host I/O Cache: Improves disk performance, especially for disk-intensive operations.
   • How to Enable:
     • In Storage settings, select the SATA Controller.
     • Check Use Host I/O Cache.

e. Network Settings

• Adapter Type:
  • Bridged Adapter: Connects the VM directly to your physical network for better network performance.
  • How to Set:
    • In Network settings, select Bridged Adapter from the Attached to dropdown menu.

2. Creating the Virtual Machine

Proceed with the following steps to create your Debian 11 VM:

a. Name and Operating System

• Provide a descriptive name for your VM.
• Confirm Type is set to Linux and Version to Debian 11 Bullseye (64-bit).

b. Memory Size

• Allocate RAM as per the System Settings above.

c. Hard Disk

• Create a Virtual Hard Disk Now: Select this option during setup.
• Hard Disk File Type: Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image).
• Storage on Physical Hard Disk: Select Fixed Size for better performance.
• File Location and Size: Allocate at least 80 GB.

3. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions

Enhance VM performance and usability by installing Guest Additions.

a. Update the System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

b. Install Required Packages

This command installs essential packages for building kernel modules and header files necessary for Guest Additions to work correctly.

sudo apt install build-essential dkms linux-headers-$(uname -r) -y

• build-essential: Provides compiler and linker utilities.
• dkms: Enables kernel module integration.
• linux-headers-$(uname -r): Installs headers for the current kernel version.

c. Insert Guest Additions CD Image

• In the VM window, go to Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD Image.

d. Run the Installer

sudo sh /media/cdrom/VBoxLinuxAdditions.run

• This might need to be updated to your cdrom - such as cdrom01

e. Reboot the VM

sudo reboot

4. Optimize Debian 11 Settings

a. Adjust Swappiness

Reduce the swappiness value to prevent the system from using swap space too aggressively, which can slow down performance.

echo 'vm.swappiness=10' | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo sysctl -p

b. Disable Unnecessary Services

Identify and disable services you don't need to free up system resources.

Identify Enabled Services:

systemctl list-unit-files --type=service | grep enabled

Disable a Service:

sudo systemctl disable <service_name>

Replace <service_name> with the actual name of the service you wish to disable.

5. Additional Tips

• Keep VirtualBox Updated: Ensure you're using the latest version for performance improvements.
• Host System Optimization:
  • Close Unnecessary Applications: Frees up resources for your VM.
  • Use an SSD: If available, store your VM on an SSD for faster disk I/O.
• Limit Snapshots: Avoid excessive snapshots as they can degrade disk performance.

Conclusion

By adjusting these VirtualBox settings and optimizing Debian 11, you can significantly enhance your VM's speed and performance. Remember to balance resource allocation to ensure your host system remains responsive.