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A virtual machine (VM) is a software-based emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating system and applications. Virtual machines allow users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine, enabling greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost savings.
VMs are commonly used for a variety of purposes, including software testing and development, server consolidation, and disaster recovery. By isolating operating systems and applications from the physical hardware, virtual machines provide a secure and flexible environment for running multiple workloads simultaneously.
VMs are typically created and managed using virtualization software, such as VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, or VirtualBox. These tools allow users to allocate resources, install operating systems, and configure networking settings for each virtual machine.
Overall, virtual machines play a crucial role in modern computing by enabling users to optimize resource utilization, improve scalability, and enhance system reliability.