From Virtualization to Virtual Machines: The Evolution of Operating System Technology

Virtual machines are software-based computing environments that mimic physical computer systems. They allow multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine, enabling users to run different applications and workloads without affecting the host operating system. Virtual machines are commonly used for testing software, running legacy applications, and consolidating multiple servers onto a single physical machine. They provide flexibility, scalability, and cost savings for organizations by reducing the need for additional physical hardware.