In this guide we explain what a virtual machine is and what they are for. Also, we give you some examples of software to create them on your PC.
f you are a computer fan, surely at some point you have heard of the term virtual machine . Although it is true that it is a somewhat complex technology, the concept behind it is very simple. Do you want to know everything about this term? Were you looking for what exactly a virtual machine is for? So stay with us. What we tell you here interests you a lot.
In the following sections we give you all the pertinent explanations so that you can resolve all your doubts regarding virtual machines . In a simple way, we show you what they are, what they are for and what applications they are given in professional and domestic environments. Stay with us!
Index of contents
- What is a virtual machine?
- Types of virtual machines
- Common uses of a virtual machine
- Test an operating system
- Use old software
- Install software safely
- Generate clones
- Run cross-platform software
- Develop software for other OS
- Review of concepts: What is a virtual machine for?
- Links you should visit:
- Virtual machine, a world of possibilities
What is a virtual machine?
A virtual machine is a technology that allows you to simulate an execution environment for operating systems and applications. In this way, thanks to specialized software, the necessary hardware is virtualized to be able to launch specific processes.
To better understand the concept, think for a moment about Microsoft’s operating system, Windows. What does it need to work? Among its functions we find that of controlling the hardware of a computer, helping the user to interact with it and allowing the installation of other applications. This requires a motherboard and CPU , a storage drive, and some RAM . Likewise, Windows can’t function without a GPU , either onboard or dedicated.
But what if you were able to simulate all these components using software? Literally, that is creating a virtual machine , that is, imitating the capabilities of a physical computer so that Windows (or any other operating system) runs normally. All of this is accomplished on a host PC, allowing you to run Windows inside Linux, macOS inside Windows, or Windows inside macOS. The combinations are multiple.
Types of virtual machines
There are two types of virtual machines that are worth reviewing. They are the following:
- System virtual machine. It is the kind of virtualization that we have explained in the previous section. It consists of generating an execution environment for operating systems with all the necessary virtualized hardware, from the CPU to the storage unit. There are two well-known programs dedicated to this task: Oracle VM Virtualbox or VMware.
- Process virtual machine. Unlike the previous one, it is a type of emulation designed to run specific processes and not complete systems. This system presents advantages in the design of multiplatform applications. Since the virtual machine works on all operating systems, only one development is needed to make the program valid on all platforms. Serve as an example of this Java .
Common uses of a virtual machine
Creating a 64-bit Windows 7 virtual machine in Windows 10.
Now you know what virtual machines are and what they are for. To finish, we will now address another important question: what are the most frequent uses given to a virtual machine?
Test an operating system
It is not uncommon for some users to enable a virtual machine to install different Linux distributions , a Windows update, or even macOS. Best of all, there is no need to modify the host system. All changes occur only within it.
Use old software
Your company may need to run old programs. Or maybe you are thinking of playing a retro title at home. In those cases, the problem is usually incompatibility with the current operating system. No problem: on one machine you can install Windows 3.1 or Windows 98, if necessary.
Install software safely
Windows 11 installation running on VirtualBox.
The virtual machine does not have direct access to the resources of the host PC. Therefore, nothing you install on it will affect your computer or the host operating system. To give you an idea, inside it you could run the worst virus and it would never directly affect your PC.
Generate clones
Most virtualizers support fast cloning of virtual machines . This allows you to bring a complete operating system to another computer by copying its files to an external hard drive or flash drive.
Run cross-platform software
As we have already mentioned, process virtual machines allow you to run applications on any platform. If you use software developed for Java or another similar platform, it will be compatible on any computer.
Develop software for other OS
Creating a 50 GB virtual hard disk to install Windows 10 Home 64-bit.
Virtualization technology has its application in the world of development. Without going any further, the Android kit for programmers includes a virtual machine that allows you to use a mobile inside your PC.
Review of concepts: What is a virtual machine for?
In view of what has been discussed so far, a virtual machine is used to enable a suitable execution environment for an operating system or a process. In view of this, its two main purposes are the following:
- Virtualize an entire OSwith system virtual machines.
- Execute specific processes.
Links you should visit:
- ▷ VMware: manual, installation and complete guide 【 2022 】
- How to use VirtualBox ⭐️ 【 STEP BY STEP 】 ⭐️
- ▷ How to create virtual machine in Hyper-V and configure it
- ▷ How to create virtual machine in VirtualBox and configure it
- 5 reasons to use a virtual machine
- ▷ Ways to connect two virtual machines in VirtualBox network
- ▷ How to install Windows 11 in VirtualBox 【 STEP BY STEP 】
Virtual machine, a world of possibilities
After what we have analyzed in this guide, surely you have no doubt: a virtual machine offers endless possibilities . Both at the user and business level, virtualization technology allows you to be more productive, test systems without applying changes to a computer or running old software. The limit is set by your imagination.
And you, do you use a virtual machine in your day to day? Which virtualization software do you like the most? Leave us your comments below. The Professional Review community awaits your answers.
