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A virtual machine (VM) is an emulation of a computer system that operates within a software environment. It allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, enabling them to consolidate hardware resources and improve efficiency.
Virtual machines are commonly used in cloud computing environments to provide scalability and flexibility for users. They can also be used for testing new software applications, running legacy systems, or creating isolated development environments.
VMs are created and managed using virtualization software, which allocates resources such as CPU, memory, and storage to each virtual machine. This allows multiple VMs to coexist on the same physical server without interfering with each other.
Overall, virtual machines provide a cost-effective and efficient way to utilize hardware resources, improve system reliability, and streamline IT operations.