Type 2 hypervisor

Definition

A type 2 hypervisor, also known as a hosted hypervisor, is a virtualization technology that runs on top of an existing operating system instead of directly on the hardware. This allows it to manage virtual machines by leveraging the resources and services of the underlying OS, making it easier to set up and maintain, especially for desktop environments. The security implications of type 2 hypervisors can be significant, particularly due to their reliance on the host operating system, which can be more vulnerable to attacks than bare-metal hypervisors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Type 2 hypervisors are typically easier to install and configure compared to type 1 hypervisors, making them popular for personal and development use.
2. Security vulnerabilities in the host OS can directly affect the security of virtual machines managed by a type 2 hypervisor.
3. Examples of type 2 hypervisors include VMware Workstation, Oracle VirtualBox, and Microsoft Hyper-V running on Windows.
4. Type 2 hypervisors are often used in desktop virtualization scenarios, allowing users to run multiple operating systems on their personal computers.
5. Performance may be impacted in type 2 hypervisors due to the overhead of the host operating system managing hardware resources.

Review Questions

• How does a type 2 hypervisor differ from a type 1 hypervisor in terms of architecture and performance?
  • A type 2 hypervisor runs on top of a host operating system, while a type 1 hypervisor operates directly on the hardware. This difference in architecture affects performance; type 1 hypervisors generally offer better efficiency and resource management because they do not have the overhead of a host OS. Consequently, type 1 hypervisors are preferred in enterprise environments where performance is critical, while type 2 hypervisors are often used in personal or testing environments.
• What are some potential security risks associated with using a type 2 hypervisor?
  • Using a type 2 hypervisor introduces specific security risks primarily tied to its dependence on the host operating system. If the host OS is compromised, attackers could gain access to all virtual machines running on that hypervisor. Additionally, any vulnerabilities within the virtualization software itself can also expose VMs to security breaches. Therefore, maintaining strong security practices on both the host OS and the hypervisor is essential.
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of deploying a type 2 hypervisor in a business environment compared to a type 1 hypervisor.
  • Deploying a type 2 hypervisor in a business environment offers advantages such as ease of installation and flexibility for users who need multiple environments for development or testing. However, its reliance on a host operating system may introduce significant security vulnerabilities and performance overheads compared to a type 1 hypervisor. Type 1 hypervisors provide enhanced performance and isolation, making them more suitable for critical business applications where stability and security are paramount. Thus, organizations must weigh their specific needs against these pros and cons when choosing between the two types.

Related terms

type 1 hypervisor: A type 1 hypervisor, or bare-metal hypervisor, runs directly on the hardware without a host operating system, providing better performance and security for managing virtual machines.

virtual machine: A virtual machine (VM) is an emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating system and applications like a real computer but is isolated from other VMs on the same host.

host operating system: The host operating system is the underlying OS on which a type 2 hypervisor operates, providing necessary resources and support for managing virtual machines.