bk99.de entertain the web since 1997

bk99.de
HN · VirtualisationCurated

Lima: Linux VMs on the Mac

Summary

Julia Evans describes Lima as a straightforward way to an integrated Linux VM on macOS. limactl start default creates and starts the default machine. The default configuration described used Ubuntu 22.04.

Ideas

  • A default configuration removes many decisions before the first start.
  • Lima automatically downloads a suitable Linux image.
  • The lima command opens a shell in the VM directly.
  • By default the macOS home directory appears read-only in the guest.
  • Configurations allow separate machines for different projects.

Insights

  • Good defaults often decide adoption more than maximum configurability.
  • Read-only shares combine convenience with a limited blast radius.
  • A shared development VM can be more pragmatic than perfect project isolation.

Facts

  • Lima stands for “Linux on Mac”.

Recommendations

  • Keep host directories read-only at first and only allow the project paths you need.
  • Keep customised Lima configurations under version control together with development projects.

References

Read the original article

Search the Web Archive

HN · 2021

Looking Glass shows Windows VMs with almost no delay

Looking Glass transfers the framebuffer of a passed-through GPU via shared memory into a Linux window and sends input back. Looking Glass is free software. The project normally requires two graphics devices or suitable alternatives.

CCC · 2010

Virtualisation with KVM

Andre Steincke explains KVM as part of the Linux kernel and covers guest management, migration, high availability and graphical tools such as virt-manager. Kernel integration ties virtualisation directly to Linux scheduling and memory management. Operational tools often matter more for everyday use than the hypervisor alone.

HN · 2026

Asahi Linux 7.2: progress on Apple Silicon

James Calligeros describes how Asahi Linux brings together power-saving features, new Apple generations and direct video output. M3 devices now support the webcam, microphones, USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt. M4 and M5 systems reach working NVMe and initial PCIe device detection.