Virtual Machine(VM)

What is a Virtual Machine (VM)?

A Virtual Machine (VM) is a software-based computer that runs inside another computer. It acts like a real computer, with its own operating system, storage, memory, and applications, but it runs as a program on your actual machine (host).

Think of a VM like running a separate computer inside your computer!

Why Use a Virtual Machine?

✅ Run multiple operating systems (Windows inside macOS, Linux inside Windows, etc.).

✅ Develop apps for different platforms

✅ Create a secure environment for experiments.

✅ Use old software that doesn't run on modern OS.

How Does a Virtual Machine Work?

A Virtual Machine runs on a physical computer (host machine) using a hypervisor.

Why Use a Virtual Machine?

✅ Host Machine – Your actual computer

✅ Hypervisor – Software that creates and manages virtual machines

✅ Guest Machine – The Virtual Machine (VM) running inside the host

Examples of Virtual Machines

VM Software (Hypervisors):

• VMware Workstation (Windows and Linux)
• VirtualBox (Free, cross-platform)
• Parallels Desktop (For macOS)
• Microsoft Hyper-V (For Windows)

OS Inside a VM (Guest OS):

• Run Windows inside macOS.
• Run Linux inside Windows
• iOS (Used in iPhones and iPads).
• Run Android inside PC for app testing

Types of Virtual Machines

System Virtual Machine

• Runs a full operating system inside your computer.
• Example: Running Windows on a Mac using VirtualBox.

Process Virtual Machine

• Runs a single application inside a controlled environment.
• Example: Java Virtual Machine (JVM) for running Java apps.
• iOS (Used in iPhones and iPads).
• Run Android inside PC for app testing

Advantages of Virtual Machines

✅ Run multiple OS on one device

✅ Isolate programs for security

✅ Easy to back up and restore

Disadvantages

✅ Uses more RAM and CPU than running software natively

✅ Can be slower than a real machine

Summary

✅ A Virtual Machine (VM) is software that acts like a real computer inside another computer.

✅ It allows running multiple operating systems on the same device.

✅ Uses a hypervisor to create and manage VMs.

✅ Common for testing, development, and security purposes.