Related to the VirtualBox recommendations: Take the time to read the VB manual. It's actually fairly well written. Get to know the VB networking options; they're fairly extensive.
(And, of course, make sure you're not committing a "termination offense" with your set-up (and/or that you can maintain security as well as live with any personal consequences) nor are you forgoing any needed licenses or running afoul of licensing implications.)
next do this
* make sure you're using bridget network adapter (in the vm settings inside the virtualbox gui)<br \>
boot your linux image in virtualbox. login root , set up a ssh server.
> if deb apt-cache search sshd , if rhel/centos yum search sshd, then go ahead install...
obtain the IP: (type ifconfig) and then you may go ahead , minimize the virtualbox (like hidden),
* crank up a putty terminal via ssh and login baby!