A+ Virtualization and Cloud

Virtualization

The process that allows multiple operating systems to run on a single computer's hardware.

Virtual Machine (VM)

The combined guest operating system and its applications created by virtualization.

Host Based Virtualization

A type of virtualization where all operating systems are virtualized on a desktop with one primary OS.

Bare Metal Virtualization

A type of virtualization where there is no main operating system, and multiple VMs run directly on the hardware.

Sandboxing

An isolated testing environment used for trying out different OS or applications without affecting the main OS.

Hypervisor

Software that manages the interaction between virtual machines and the physical hardware they run on.

Type 1 Hypervisor

A hypervisor that is directly installed on hardware and acts as the primary OS.

Type 2 Hypervisor

A hypervisor that runs in an existing host OS, allowing for other operating systems to be used.

Virtualization Technology (VT)

The functionality of an Intel CPU designed specifically for virtualization.

AMD-V

The functionality of an AMD CPU designed specifically for virtualization.

Shared Network Address

Used when a hypervisor assigns a VM a private IP address and uses NAT for communications.

Bridged Network Address

When a VM is connected to a physical network and has its own IP address.

Private Address

An address used by a VM that does not need to communicate with devices outside its virtual network.

VM Escape

A cyberattack where malware recognizes it is on a VM and tries to access the host system.

Rogue VMs

Unauthorized virtual machines installed by attackers on a virtual network.

VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)

Technology that allows a desktop to run as a VM on a separate device across the network.

Containerization

Using multiple applications on the same host OS, a lightweight alternative to virtualization.

Cloud Computing

Providing IT resources as a service rather than owning and operating them yourself.

Private Cloud

Cloud infrastructure designed for exclusive use within a single organization.

Public Cloud

Cloud infrastructure open for use by the general public, shared among multiple users.

Hybrid Cloud

A mix of private and public cloud infrastructures.

Community Cloud

Cloud infrastructure where resources are shared by several organizations with similar needs.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

A service model where consumers are provided with access to hardware resources.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

A service model where consumers only access applications, without managing the underlying hardware and software.

Platform as a Service (PaaS)

A service model where consumers are provided an OS and development tools, but manage their own data and applications.

On-Demand Self-Service

Cloud capabilities accessible to users instantly without human interaction.

Broad Network Access

Cloud resources accessible from any location using any device over standard network protocols.

Resource Pooling

Cloud resources efficiently serving multiple customers simultaneously from a large pool.

Rapid Elasticity

The ability of cloud capabilities to scale up and down as needed by demand.

Measured Service

Cloud systems automatically monitor and report resource usage to determine costs.

File Synchronization

An application feature sharing data across data centers and synchronizing across user devices.

High Availability and Redundancy

A cloud design goal ensuring services remain operational while eliminating single points of failure.

Failover

The instant transition of cloud data from failing hardware to functioning hardware.

Cloud Sharing

The sharing and pricing of resources depending on the type of cloud being used.

Cost to Upload

Charges incurred for incoming data to the cloud.

Cost to Store

Charges for data maintained within the cloud storage.

Cost to Download

Charges incurred for retrieving data from the cloud.

Metered Utilization

When users pay based on the amount of cloud resources utilized.

Non-Metered Utilization

When users pay a fixed price without additional costs for uploading or downloading.

Security of a VM

Every VM on a network must have a host-based firewall, anti-virus software, and anti-spyware, just like a traditional computer.

What VMs Allocate

Every VM needs physical memory and drive space allocated to function properly.

Complete Control Over Networking

You have control over how a VM interacts with outside devices.

Testing in Sandbox

Using a virtualized environment to test applications without affecting the main OS.

Costs Associated with Virtual Machines

Establishing a new VM requires significant overhead for hardware and resources- yet it is still cheaper than under-utilizing hardware.

Secure Software Development

Creating software in a sandboxed environment to avoid compromising the main OS.

VM Management

The hypervisor's role in managing how much hardware resources each VM uses.

VDI Resource Requirements

A virtual desktop infrastructure that demands significant network resources.

Public vs. Private Cloud Costs

Costs differ based on ownership and operation for cloud infrastructure. It is often cheaper for an organization to buy access to public cloud resources than it is to build its own cloud and provide it to its employees.

Applications in the Cloud

Various IT resources such as servers, storage, and software are accessed as services.

Software Updates in SaaS

In Software as a Service, the provider manages updates and security for the application.

Hybrid Cloud Use Cases

Enterprises utilize hybrid cloud to balance private and public cloud advantages.

Control Over VM Interaction

You dictate how virtual machines communicate with each other and external devices. On the same device they often don’t know about each other.

Third-Party VMs Risks

Self-contained VMs may pose risks if they are created by unverified third parties.

VM Performance Optimization

Maximizing the efficiency of VMs may require tuning hypervisor settings.

Cost Efficiency of Cloud Services

Cloud computing can reduce costs in comparison to maintaining physical servers.

Resource Allocation Demand

The demand to provision resources dynamically varies depending on user needs.

Security Protocols for VMs

VMs should adhere to rigorous security measures as if they were physical computers.

Centralized Resource Management

Cloud resources are managed from a central system for effective usage tracking.

Dynamic Resource Allocation

Enabling flexible resource distribution among VMs based on real-time demand.

Cloud Data Backup Strategies

Maintaining data redundancy across physical data centers for reliability.

User Experience with Cloud Services

Cloud technologies aim to create seamless interaction for the user with minimal downtimes.

Virtual Networks Creation

Most hypervisors can create their own virtual networks for VMs.