Virtual Machine Definition
A virtual machine (VM) is a software emulation of a computer system, operating as an application in host computer equipment. Virtual machines create a separate environment that behaves as if it were a physical computer, enabling it to run applications and perform tasks that the host computer might not be able to complete.
Virtual Machine Key Points
- A virtual machine (VM) is software that emulates a computer system, enabling it to run applications and carry out tasks independent of its host machine.
- It provides a separate operating environment that gives the appearance and capabilities of a physical computer.
- Virtual machines can be used to execute tasks that might be unfeasible or impossible on the host system.
What is a Virtual Machine (VM)?
A VM allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical host. This encapsulation offers a layer of software, known as the hypervisor, which separates the virtual machines from the host and from each other. The VM has its own set of virtual hardware resources such as RAM and CPU, assigned to it by the hypervisor, that it uses to run its own OS and applications.
Why is a Virtual Machine Important?
A virtual machine plays a significant role in computing, particularly in cloud computing. With VMs, you can maximize the use of your physical resources by dividing them among multiple virtual environments. It not only helps to cut back on hardware expenses but also increases efficiency and scalability since VMs can be created in minutes and can be moved easily from one physical server to another.
How Does a Virtual Machine Work?
Virtual Machines operate by utilizing the hypervisor, a software layer that separates the VM operating systems from the host. The hypervisor assigns computer resources like processing power, memory, and storage to each virtual machine. The VMs believe they are using their own dedicated resources, but they are actually sharing a pool of resources on the host system.
Who uses the Virtual Machine?
Primarily, software developers, IT professionals, end-users who want to run multiple operating systems or applications on the same machine, and organizations that want to maximize their hardware resources and cut down costs use VMs.
Where Can a Virtual Machine Be Used?
Virtual Machines are extensively used in multiple fields including software testing, cloud computing, data centers, computer hardware reduction efforts, and in any situation requiring the operation of multiple OS’s on a single computer.
When to Use a Virtual Machine?
A VM should be used when there is a need to operate multiple operating systems on a single machine, to test applications in a safe, sandboxed environment, or when an organization wants to maximize their hardware resources and reduce costs.
Examples of Virtual Machine Utilization
Common examples of VM utilization includes running Windows on a Mac computer, testing new software versions in an insulated environment before they are deployed, running old applications that require an older version of an operating system, and accessing virus-infected data.
