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A virtual machine is a software emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating system and applications. It allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, enabling them to isolate different applications and services from each other.
Virtual machines are commonly used in cloud computing environments, data centers, and for software development and testing. They provide a cost-effective and efficient way to run multiple operating systems on a single hardware platform, reducing the need for physical hardware and increasing flexibility and scalability.
Some popular virtual machine software includes VMware, VirtualBox, and Microsoft Hyper-V. These tools allow users to create and manage virtual machines, allocate resources, and monitor performance. Virtual machines are a key technology in the field of virtualization, enabling organizations to optimize their IT infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.