What is a virtual machine, and how does it work?
What is a virtual machine, and how does it work?
Ask by Revati S Misra
Updated 19 Apr 2023
A virtual machine (VM) is a software implementation of a physical computer that runs on top of a physical machine. It allows multiple operating systems (OS) to run on a single physical machine simultaneously, creating the illusion of multiple independent machines.
The VM software, also known as a hypervisor, creates a layer of abstraction between the physical hardware and the virtual machine's operating system. This allows each virtual machine to have its own virtual hardware resources, including CPU, memory, disk, and network interfaces.
When a virtual machine is started, the hypervisor allocates resources from the physical machine and presents them to the VM as if they were physical hardware. The VM's operating system then boots up as if it were running on a physical machine, using the virtual hardware provided by the hypervisor.
The VM's operating system can then run applications and perform tasks just like a physical machine. Multiple virtual machines can be created on a single physical machine, each with its own operating system, applications, and data.
Virtual machines have many uses, including server consolidation, testing and development, and creating isolated environments for running applications. They also provide a convenient way to run legacy applications on modern hardware, as the virtual machine can emulate the necessary hardware and software environment.