# change VirtualBox disk and machine default location
VBoxManage setproperty hdfolder /volumes/data/vbox
VBoxManage setproperty machinefolder /volumes/data/vbox

# create a VM
VBoxManage createvm --name "U10.4-base" --ostype Ubuntu --register
# add some ram, network card, DVD-ROM
VBoxManage modifyvm "U10.4-base" --memory 128 --acpi on --boot1 dvd --nic1 bridged
# create a HDD
VBoxManage createhd --filename U10.4-base.vdi --size 10000 --register

# attach storage controllers to it
VBoxManage storagectl "U10.4-base" --name "IDE Controller" --add ide
VBoxManage storageattach "U10.4-base" --storagectl "IDE Controller" --port 1 --device 0 --type dvddrive --medium none

# remove .iso
VBoxManage closemedium dvd /volumes/data/exchange/mini-ubuntu-10.04-server-i386.iso

# start VM
VBoxHeadless --startvm "U10.4-base"

# stop VM (requires package acpid)
VBoxManage controlvm "U10.4-base" acpipowerbutton

# view VM information
VBoxManage showvminfo "U10.4-base"