Yes you can use ubuntu two node. I am using five nodes(1 master, 4 datanodes). If you want install multi node in vm ware. Just download ubutnu from this link: http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop And install two machine. And install java and openssh. And download shell script for multinode from this link:: https://github.com/tonyreddy/Apache-MultiNode-Insatallation-Shellscript
And try it ..... All the best............