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A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a physical computer, allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine. Virtual machines are used for a variety of purposes, including testing new software, running multiple operating systems on a single computer, and creating isolated environments for security and development purposes.
VMs are typically created and managed using virtualization software, such as VMware, VirtualBox, or Hyper-V. These tools allow users to create and configure virtual machines with specific hardware configurations, such as CPU, memory, storage, and network settings.
Virtual machines are popular in cloud computing environments, where they enable users to create and manage virtual servers on demand. This helps organizations save on hardware costs, improve scalability, and enhance resource utilization.
Overall, virtual machines provide a flexible and efficient way to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical machine, making them a valuable tool for various IT tasks and projects.