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.