Re: KVM Vs. VirtualBox Vs. Proxmox

On Sun, Jan 12, 2025 at 9:38 AM Keith Smith via PLUG-discuss <
plug-discuss@lists.phxlinux.org> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Anyone using KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) ?
>

Yes, I have deployed KVM VMs since c. 2009 (initially wrote bash scripts
for each VM); used virt-manager and virsh later on. And now I plan to use
Proxmox VE for KVM VMs.


>
> How does it compare to VirtualBox and/or Proxmox?
>

VirtualBox v/s KVM -- IMO, they are an apple and an orange. VB is a desktop
app with its own network and storage drivers that load as kernel modules
plus it provides sound and USB support. VB can leverage hardware
acceleration (KVM). Whereas, KVM is Linux kernel native and more
appropriate for a server setup. I use VB a lot to evaluate software, test
use cases, and then migrate the VM to KVM server for production usage. You
can also launch VB VMs (headless) for server apps on your desktop, make
sure the VM NIC is bridged to the desktop NIC/WiFi and is configured as a
DHCP client. On the DHCP server, you can program the VM's NIC MAC address
to a fixed IP address. (see 'vboxmanage help' for a synopsis of the
possibilities)

VB v/s ProxmoxVE (see above). Proxmox (Debian-based) is essentially KVM
with a very functional and easy-to-use Web UI.
IMO, it is n00b friendly and can be set up on a repurposed thin client (8GB
RAM/128 GB storage) or as a VB VM*; a quick and easy way to get your hands
wet with the product. It is well documented and the user forum is very
helpful.

* Here is the power of both tools -- Most modern CPUs support *nested*
virtualization; you need to turn it ON (Google it).
I evaluated Proxmox VE as a VB VM and spun up a couple of small VMs within
the Proxmov VE 🖖

The bottom line -- both VB and Proxmox (KVM) are very powerful, you need to
figure out your use case and pick the appropriate platform.

HTH
--
Arun
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