What is a virtual computer?
A virtual computer or virtual machine (VM) is one that operates atop a host operating system running an emulation or a hypervisor kernel. Virtual Machines do not interact directly with the physical hardware resources. Rather, they communicate with its host, making them flexible, portable and efficient.Host SystemsThere are two solutions that can host a virtual machine. Option one is software that emulates a common operating system running atop an established operating system like Windows, Linux or Mac OS. Solutions such as VMware’s Fusion, Virtual PC and Parrallels offer such emulation. Option two is a hypervisor kernel, a small specialized operating system that arbitrates the hardware resources for multiple virtual machines. VMware, Citrix and XenServer are examples of companies that offer such technology.FlexibilityFlexibility is the key benefit of a virtual machine in that it can be quickly deployed, moved around and rolled back to a preset state.PortabilityVirtual machines are port
