What is Virtualization?

Virtualization uses software to create an abstraction layer over computer hardware that allows
the hardware elements of a single computer—processors, memory, storage and more—to be
divided into multiple virtual computers, commonly called virtual machines (VMs). Each VM
runs its own operating system (OS) and behaves like an independent computer, even though it
is running on just a portion of the actual underlying computer hardware.
● In other words we can say that Virtualization is the creation of a virtual -- rather than
actual -- version of something, such as an operating system (OS), a server, a storage
device or network resources.
● Operating system-based Virtualization refers to an operating system feature in which
the kernel enables the existence of various isolated user-space instances.
● The installation of virtualization software also refers to Operating system-based
virtualization. It is installed over a pre-existing operating system and that operating
system is called the host operating system.

Benefits of Virtualization
● Operating system virtualizations eliminate the use of physical space which is utilized by
the IT system. As everything is virtual it will require less space and hence it will save
money.
● As there is no hardware required the maintenance will be less and therefore it will save
both time and money.
● Increased IT productivity, efficiency, agility and responsiveness.
● Faster provisioning of applications and resources.
● Greater business continuity.
● Simplified data centre management.
● It reduces IT Expenses while boosting efficiency.
● Reduced capital cost and operating cost

What is a Virtual Machine?

A Virtual Machine (VM) is a compute resource that uses software instead of a physical
computer to run programs and deploy apps.
One or more virtual “guest” machines run on a physical “host” machine. Each virtual
machine runs its own operating system and functions separately from the other
VMs, even when they are all running on the same host. This means that, for example, a
virtual MacOS virtual machine can run on a physical PC.
Virtual machines (VMs) allow a business to run an operating system that behaves like a
completely separate computer in an app window on a desktop.
VMs may be deployed to accommodate different levels of processing power needs, to
run software that requires a different operating system, or to test applications in a safe,
sandboxed environment.
Virtual machines have historically been used for server virtualization, which enables IT teams
to consolidate their computing resources and improve efficiency.
Additionally, virtual machines can perform specific tasks considered too risky to carry out in
a host environment, such as accessing virus-infected data or testing operating systems. Since
the virtual machine is separated from the rest of the system, the software inside the virtual
machine cannot tamper with the host computer.
The virtual machine runs as a process in an application window, similar to any other
application, on the operating system of the physical machine. Key files that make up a virtual
machine include a log file, NVRAM setting file, virtual disk file and configuration file.

Benefits of Virtual Machines.

● Virtual machines are easy to manage and maintain, and they offer several advantages
over physical machines
● VMs can run multiple operating system environments on a single physical computer,
saving physical space, time and management costs.
● Virtual machines support legacy applications, reducing the cost of migrating to a new
operating system. For example, a Linux virtual machine running a distribution
of Linux as the guest operating system can exist on a host server that is running a
non-Linux operating system, such as Windows.
● VMs can also provide integrated disaster recovery and application provisioning
options.
● Easy maintenance availability,convenient recovery.
How virtual servers work:

What enables server virtualization? A thin layer of software known as the hypervisor. The
most common form is known as Type 1, where the layer sits on the hardware and virtualizes
the hardware platform so that multiple virtual machines can utilize it.

A type 2 hypervisor, on the other hand, uses a host operating system to create isolated guest
virtual machines.

Each virtual server mimics the functionalities of a dedicated server – on one server.

Each server is then designated an individual and separate OS, software and rebooting
provisions, via root access.

In a virtual server environment, website admins and ISPs can have separate and different
domain names, IP addresses, analytics, logs, file directories, email administration and more.
Security systems and passwords also function separately, as it would in a dedicated server
environment.
Factors to remember when selecting a Virtualization Solution

1. Hypervisor type
2. Operating System rebooting
3. Virtualization Method
4. Deployment work
5. Multiprocessing

What is the relationship between a guest operating system and a host operating system
in a system like VMWare? What factors need to be considered in choosing the host
operating system?
VMWare is a type 2 hypervisor, meaning that the relationship between the guest and host is
that the guest is running off the host’s resources. When choosing the host operating system,
all you need to consider is the CPU cores you are going to allocate and the amount of RAM,
based on the system.

Different Virtual Machines

The Industry Standard: VMware

Oracle VM VirtualBox

Best for Running Windows and macOS:

Best for (Some) Windows 10 Users:

Best for Linux Users: QEMU