Set up my Virtual Machine

If you cannot get SplashKit working natively, you can use Virtual Machine (VM) hypervisor software to create a local Linux (Debian) environment that you can use to code with SplashKit.

Want a pre-built Virtual Machine? Use these links

The following steps get you to create and set up your own Virtual Machine. We recommend that you do that, but we also provide pre-built virtual machines that you can consider using.

• Intel x64 ova for VMWare or Virtual Box: FieldGuideDebianImage.x64.v1.0.ova
• Arm64 VMWare Fusion image: FieldGuideDebianVMWareImage.v1.0.7z - unzip to use.

1. Download Virtual Machine Software

There are many VM software options available. We have provided some suggestions below, but you can use any VM software that supports hosting Debian.

VirtualBox

Cross-platform.

Oracle VM VirtualBox is an open-source, cross-platform virtualisation software package for use on Intel or AMD-based computers running Windows, macOS, Linux, or Oracle Solaris, and is free to download.

You can download it from the VirtualBox Downloads site here.

VMware Workstation Player

Windows and Linux only.

VMware Workstation Player is a virtualisation software package for use on x64 Windows or Linux computers, and is available for free for personal use.

You can download it from the VMware Downloads site here.

VMware Fusion Player

macOS only.

VMware Fusion Player is a virtualisation software package for use on Mac computers (Intel or Apple Silicon). It is available for free in two ways: using a Personal Use License, or using a trial version of VMware Fusion.

If using the Personal Use License version:
You can download it from the VMware Downloads site here.

If using the Pro (with free trial) version:
You can download it from the VMware Downloads site here.

2. Setup VM with Debian

There are lots of guides available online for how to set up Debian in your chosen VM software. Here are some suggested links:

Install Debian with VirtualBox

If you are using VirtualBox, you can view the Technical documentation, which includes information related to getting started.

Or if you want more detailed steps, you can search for guides online, or follow the instructions in any of the suggested guides below:

• LinuxSimply: How to Install Debian on VirtualBox (Step-by-Step)
• MakeUseOf: How to Install Debian on VirtualBox
• WikiHow: 11 Simple Steps to Install Debian in VirtualBox

Note

You may want to install ad-blocker software to avoid the large amount of ads on the sites above.

Our own Programmer’s Field Guide setup guide coming soon…

Install Debian with VMware Workstation Player

If you are using VMware Workstation Player, you can go to VMware’s Guest Operating System Installation Guide and then select one of the Debian versions, such as Debian 12.

Or if you want more detailed steps, you can search for guides online, or follow the instructions in any of the suggested guides below:

• Medium: Installing a Debian 12 virtual machine in a VMware Workstation Player
• HTPC Guides: Install Debian Virtual Machine in VM Workstation Player
• samsclass.info: Preparing a Local VM with Debian 11 Linux

Our own Programmer’s Field Guide setup guide coming soon…

Install Debian with VMware Fusion Player

If you are using VMware Fusion Player, you can go to VMware’s Guest Operating System Installation Guide and then select one of the Debian versions, such as Debian 12.

Or if you want more detailed steps, you can search for guides online, or follow the instructions in any of the suggested guides below:

• VMware Docs: Create a Virtual Machine by Using Linux Easy Install and an Image File
• samsclass.info: Installing VMware Fusion Player
• samsclass.info: Preparing a Local VM with Debian 11 Linux

Our own Programmer’s Field Guide setup guide coming soon…

3. Setup Debian OS

Once you have set up your virtual machine with Debian, you can follow the installation steps on the Set up my Linux Box page to finish setting up your virtual machine.