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A virtual machine is a software-based emulation of a physical computer system. It allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, which can be useful for testing software, running multiple applications on different operating systems, or isolating and securing applications or processes.
Virtual machines are typically created using virtualization software, which simulates the hardware of a physical computer, including the CPU, memory, storage, and network interfaces. Each virtual machine runs its own operating system and applications independently of the host system, allowing for flexibility and scalability in computing environments.
Some popular virtualization software includes VMware, VirtualBox, and Microsoft Hyper-V. Virtual machines are commonly used in cloud computing environments, data centers, and software development environments to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance security.