Internet
Fact-checked

At EasyTechJunkie, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Virtual Machine?

Shannon Kietzman
Shannon Kietzman

A virtual machine is a type of computer application used to create a virtual environment, which is referred to as "virtualization." Some types of virtualization let a user run multiple operating systems on one computer at the same time. A virtual machine can also function for a single program, allowing that one application to function in an isolated way. Users can setup multiple computers to function as one through virtualization, allowing the system to draw on greater resources than might otherwise be available.

Hardware Emulation

"Virtual machine" can mean software that focuses on a particular application that is isolated from the rest of the computer.
"Virtual machine" can mean software that focuses on a particular application that is isolated from the rest of the computer.

There are several different types of virtual machines. Commonly, the term is used to refer to hardware virtual machine software, also known as a "hypervisor" or "virtual machine monitor." This type of software makes it possible to perform multiple identical executions on one computer. In turn, each of these executions runs its own operating system. This allows multiple applications to be run on different operating systems, even those they were not originally intended for.

The term "virtual machine" often refers to "hypervisors," which are software that allow multiple identical executions to be performed on one computer.
The term "virtual machine" often refers to "hypervisors," which are software that allow multiple identical executions to be performed on one computer.

Through the use of the hardware virtual machine software, the user has a seemingly private machine with fully functional hardware that is separate from other users. Such software also makes it possible for users to boot and restart their machines quickly, since tasks such as hardware initialization are not necessary. The name for this type of virtualization can be confusing, but it is a software application, not a particular piece of hardware.

Software-Specific Applications

A "virtual machine" can also refer to software that focuses on one particular application. With this software, the application is isolated from the rest of the computer. Programmers often design such software for use on a number of computer platforms, rather than designing it to focus on only one type of computer or system. This makes it unnecessary to create separate versions of the same software for different operating systems and computers.

Systems that Use Hardware And Software

Virtual environments can also be created through a virtual machine system, which are also known as "virtual private servers." This type of environment is used for running programs at the user level. Therefore, it is used solely for applications and not for drivers or operating systems. The system itself functions like a server, even though only a single computer might be used.

Some users set up a virtual machine as a group of computers that work together to create a more powerful machine. In this type of setup, the software makes it possible for one environment to be formed through several computers. This makes it appear to the end user as if he or she uses only a single computer, while there are actually numerous machines at work. The memory and other resources of each of these systems work together to create a more powerful machine than just one computer.

Discussion Comments

anon129241

what are the types of virtual machine?

anon113424

Will a virtual machine be able to get rid of a tidserv virus?

anon87090

What are the examples of virtual machines found on computers in general?

anon85493

A virtual machine allows you to use multiple operating systems in one local pc, for example, Ubuntu linux. This will allow you to use the os you need without actually partitioning the pc.

anon71282

after pre-phase installation do we need to reinstall new os for new virtual console?

Can we use same os which is already installed on our system? E.g.: Suppose i have installed 3 os os1 os2 and os3 on my system and each os on different hard disks.

and now i installed VMware(or other VC) s/w on my OS1, so can i open my OS2 by using VMware or some other s/w like same on that console?

In short can i open my already installed OS via such s/w?

please reply to me if you have an answer or any solutions to above.

Shirish

anon69220

what is a microsoft virtual pc?

anon65278

what are the uses of virtual machines?

anon49646

I have a copy of a screen capture program located in C:\program files, but I can't "see" it when trying to load/run it in the virtual machine. What to do?

Any help greatly appreciated.

JohnP

anon44408

how does a virtual machine work?

anon35733

How is a virtual machine implemented in XP?

paulnc2008

How do SMM and protected mode instructions work on a simulated machine?

hokusai

Silly question, but how, having created a virtual machine, do I actually load a program onto it from elsewhere?

If I'm 'running the VM' -- henceam on virtual drive C:\ -- I can't access (say) the A:\ drive where my program may currently be located; whereas if I come out of the VM and try to Copy from A:\ to C:\ this is of course interpreted as 'copy to your actual C:\ drive on your actual HD', not to the VM.

Help please?

Martin

anon25268

It functions in some ways like an emulator that runs additional operating systems, except you are not bound to a limited space on the hardware as you would be with partitioning. The space that the virtual machine is or can be somewhat dynamic, able to increase or decrease allocated memory depending on the virtualization software used. An added benefit is that you can transfer the virtual machine from one set of hardware to another while it is in use. Also redundancy often becomes cheaper if you use many small apps or utilize little space on individual systems.

anon23426

is it a hardware or software?

anon15727

how can i create a virtual machine on my computer?

anon11494

how i can change the name of virtual machine on my computer?

anon4874

What are the examples of virtual machine software found on computers in general?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • "Virtual machine" can mean software that focuses on a particular application that is isolated from the rest of the computer.
      By: il-fede
      "Virtual machine" can mean software that focuses on a particular application that is isolated from the rest of the computer.
    • The term "virtual machine" often refers to "hypervisors," which are software that allow multiple identical executions to be performed on one computer.
      By: Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious
      The term "virtual machine" often refers to "hypervisors," which are software that allow multiple identical executions to be performed on one computer.