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Virtual machines (VMs) are software-based emulations of physical computers that can run operating systems and applications just like a physical computer. They are created by virtualization software that partitions a physical computer into multiple virtual machines, each with its own virtual hardware and operating system.
VMs provide a number of benefits, including:
1. Consolidation: VMs allow multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server, enabling organizations to consolidate their hardware infrastructure and reduce costs.
2. Isolation: VMs are isolated from each other, meaning that if one VM crashes or experiences issues, it does not affect other VMs on the same physical server.
3. Flexibility: VMs can be easily created, duplicated, and moved between physical servers, providing flexibility and scalability for applications and workloads.
4. Testing and development: VMs are often used for testing and development purposes, allowing developers to create and test applications in a controlled environment before deploying them to production.
Overall, virtual machines are a key component of modern IT infrastructure, providing a flexible and efficient way to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical server.