What is Virtualization Used For?
Virtualization (or Virtual Machine) software allows operating systems to be used in ways that are not possible, or at least terribly inconvenient to do, when installed conventional computer hardware.
- Reducing the number of physical hardware computers needed. One computer can run multiple VM operating systems, each of which operate as if it were installed on it own hardware box.
- Quick backup and restore. A VM can be quickly backed up and restored to a separate disk image in the event of a catastrophic error or disaster. VM images can be moved to different computers in the event of hardware failure.
- Sharing pre-installed data and programs. A VM can be equipped with a pre-configured OS, application, and data that can be easily ported to multiple computers.
- Legacy OS support. Many older operating system will not run properly on modern computer hardware. Such OSes might be more compatible with the hardware emulation offered by a VM product.
- Evaluate software. A VM allows the installation and use of programs that you don’t want to install on your computer, such as trial software and evaluations, shareware, and LiveCDs.
- Reusable OS environments. The ability to save and restore a VM image (snapshot) also allows the VM to start a work session a “clean slate,” which is useful for removing changes made by the previous user or program, similar in concept to a restore point.
- Safe experimental environment. A VM creates an isolated sandbox environment useful for people who test software and experiment with malicious software and security issues. The VM can be easily restored to a standard baseline.
- Special-purpose computers. Using VM software, an image can be configured for only a specific task, such as software demonstration, product training, educational testing, or a service kiosk.
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