Virtualization

What is Virtualization?

Virtualization is a technology that allows you to run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical machine. Each VM acts like a real computer with its own OS, CPU, RAM, and storage, but all share the physical server's hardware.

Real-world Example of Virtualization

Imagine one big server in your office. Using virtualization, you divide it into multiple small computers (VMs): one for email, one for web hosting, one for databases, and one for backup. Each VM does a separate job on the same hardware.

Why Do We Use Virtualization? - Cost Saving

You don't need to buy separate physical machines for each service. Instead you save money by running multiple services on one server.

Why Do We Use Virtualization? - Better Resource Utilization

Resources are not wasted like in underutilized physical machines. Instead we can use CPU, RAM, and storage more efficiently through Virtualization.

Why Do We Use Virtualization? - Easier Management

You can create, delete, or move VMs easily without touching the physical hardware.

Why Do We Use Virtualization? - High Availability & Backup

VMs are easier to back up, clone, and restore quickly compared to physical systems.

Key Component: Hypervisor

The hypervisor is software that creates and manages VMs. on one physical computer.

It shares CPU, memory, storage between the physical machine and virtual machine.

Key Component: Virtual Machine (VM)

A virtual machine is a software-based computer that runs on the hypervisor and behaves like a real computer.

Type 1 Hypervisor (Bare Metal)

Installed directly on the physical server. Examples: VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V. Offers better performance and is used in data centers.

Type 2 Hypervisor (Hosted)

Installed like an application on top of a host OS (like Windows/Linux). Examples: Oracle VirtualBox, VMware Workstation. Used mostly for testing or learning.