Virtual Machine

Definition

A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating system and applications just like a real machine. VMs allow multiple operating systems to run on a single physical host, enabling efficient resource utilization and isolation between different environments. They play a crucial role in cloud computing and virtualization by providing the ability to create, deploy, and manage scalable computing resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Virtual machines can run different operating systems simultaneously on the same hardware, making them versatile for testing and development.
2. Each VM operates in its own isolated environment, which increases security as issues in one VM do not affect others.
3. Resource allocation for VMs can be dynamically adjusted, allowing efficient scaling of applications based on demand.
4. Snapshots of VMs can be taken, enabling easy backup and recovery of system states at specific points in time.
5. Virtual machines are essential in cloud computing environments as they allow service providers to offer flexible and scalable resources to users.

Review Questions

• How do virtual machines contribute to resource efficiency and flexibility in modern computing environments?
  • Virtual machines significantly enhance resource efficiency by allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical server, optimizing the use of hardware resources. This flexibility means organizations can quickly adapt to changing needs by deploying new VMs without requiring additional physical infrastructure. The isolation provided by VMs also supports better security practices and disaster recovery strategies since each VM operates independently.
• Compare and contrast virtual machines with containerization in terms of resource utilization and application deployment.
  • While both virtual machines and containerization offer isolation for applications, they differ in how resources are utilized. VMs require an entire operating system for each instance, leading to more significant resource overhead. In contrast, containers share the host operating system kernel, making them lighter and faster to deploy. Consequently, containerization is often preferred for microservices architecture due to its efficiency and speed, whereas VMs provide more extensive isolation and compatibility for running different OS types.
• Evaluate the impact of virtual machines on cloud computing's growth and how they have transformed IT service delivery.
  • Virtual machines have been pivotal in the growth of cloud computing by enabling on-demand access to scalable computing resources. Their ability to be rapidly deployed and managed allows service providers to offer flexible services tailored to user needs. This transformation has led to a shift from traditional IT infrastructure towards cloud-based solutions, where businesses can scale operations without investing heavily in physical hardware. The efficiency gains from using VMs have also driven innovation in application development, leading to faster deployment cycles and more reliable services.

Related terms

Hypervisor: A hypervisor is software that creates and manages virtual machines by allocating hardware resources to them, allowing multiple VMs to share the same physical hardware.

Containerization: Containerization is a lightweight form of virtualization that allows applications to run in isolated environments called containers, sharing the same OS kernel while maintaining separate user spaces.

Cloud Computing: Cloud computing is the delivery of various services over the internet, including storage, processing power, and software, allowing users to access and use resources without needing physical infrastructure.