Virtualization Explained

Virtualization

The process of creating a virtual (rather than actual) version of something, such as hardware or software, to simulate a physical environment.

Traditional setup

The conventional method where one physical machine is dedicated to running a single application.

Hypervisor

Software that creates and manages virtual machines, allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine.

Multiple Virtual Machines

Running several virtual machines on a single physical server, each with its own operating system and applications.

Type 1 Hypervisor

Also known as bare-metal hypervisor, it runs directly on the host's hardware to control the hardware and to manage guest operating systems.

Type 2 Hypervisor

Operates on a conventional operating system just like other computer programs, providing virtualization services to the guest operating systems.

Consolidation

The process of combining multiple physical servers with various operating systems and applications into a single server to improve efficiency and resource utilization.