Buzz
A virtual machine - virtual machine - is software running on an operating system allowing the construction of different computer environments by creating available virtual hardware systems and installing guest operating systems on them. These operating systems will operate as on a separate physical system, utilizing the resources of the real computer and operating entirely independently from the real computer system.
What is a virtual machine? What are its functions?
Due to these reasons, virtual machines are frequently utilized to create multiple different environments for software testing, running software on compatible platforms that physical machines cannot handle, experimenting with new operating systems, or checking for viruses...These testing actions, if performed directly on physical machines, can cause various errors damaging both hardware and software. However, with virtual machines, you only need to reset the state, and the computer will return to its original state.
Some uses of virtual machines
Software and operating system testing
Due to the virtualized nature of virtual machines, you can install many software or operating systems simultaneously on a computer, as long as the hardware meets the requirements. You can install multiple versions of an operating system on the same computer, install experimental software on various operating system environments to find bugs, or use software that requires older systems like Windows XP or other platforms like MAC OS X, Linux
After usage, with just a few steps, you can easily restore the virtual machine to its original state, thereby avoiding any impact on the real computer system.
Enhancing server security
For system administrators, virtual machines are utilized to manage servers, with each server placed in a separate virtual machine to ensure isolation during operations. This isolation helps prevent the system from facing security risks or encountering errors that may arise when running on physical machines. For example, hardware conflicts or virus infections.
Virus checking
This is also one of the crucial functions of virtual machines. For those working in the security field, they often encounter and deal with new virus samples. Handling viruses on physical machines is extremely dangerous as not all computers are optimally protected, and the phenomena caused by viruses can directly affect computer operations. Therefore, virus samples needing analysis will be run on a virtual machine in an isolated environment to check for viruses, avoiding any impact on the real computer system.
Some common virtual machines
VMWare
VMWare is the most widely used free virtual machine worldwide with all the functionalities of a complete virtual system. VMWare allows users to create different operating systems, various virtual hardware systems with just a few steps, featuring an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The most remarkable aspect of VMWare is that it doesn't consume too many resources on the real computer, provided completely free with full functionalities.
VMWare
VMWare Player is a widely-used virtual machine program available on both Windows and Linux. VMWare provides all the features a virtual machine needs, suitable for advanced users with more requirements for a virtual machine program. VMWare Player is the free version of VMWare Station, so VMWare doesn't have as many features as VirtualBox.
Here are some insights into virtual machines and their applications for users. Hopefully, through this article, you can apply the technologies that virtual machines bring to serve your work better. You can also create virtual machines on USB with VirtualBox with some simple steps for more convenient use.
Virtual machines are widely used tools for people working in IT and programming. Virtual machines have many functions, being common tools for software testing and creating different computer environments. Here, Mytour has introduced some concepts about virtual machines and how to use them properly.
