Definition: A software-based simulation of a physical computer that runs in an isolated environment on a host system. VMs allow for multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single physical computer, with resources such as CPU, memory, and storage being allocated.
Key Features:
Isolation: Each VM operates independently and is isolated from the host system and other VMs.
Resource Allocation: VMs share the physical resources of the host system but have their own virtual resources.
Mobility: VMs can easily be moved, copied, or replicated between host systems.
Common Applications:
Software Development and Testing: Creating isolated environments for different requirements.
Server Consolidation: Hosting multiple services on a single physical server.
Legacy Applications: Running older software on modern systems.