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A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a physical computer that runs on a host computer or server. It allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, enabling them to consolidate hardware, increase efficiency, and save costs.
VMs are isolated from each other and from the host system, providing a secure environment for running multiple applications or services. They can be easily created, duplicated, and moved between different physical machines, making them flexible and scalable for various use cases.
VMs are commonly used in data centers, cloud computing environments, and development and testing scenarios. They help organizations optimize resource utilization, improve disaster recovery capabilities, and simplify management and maintenance of IT infrastructure. Popular virtualization software includes VMware, Hyper-V, and VirtualBox.