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A virtual machine is a software-based emulation of a physical computer that runs its own operating system and applications as if it were a physical machine. It allows multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine, enabling users to run different applications on different operating systems without needing separate physical machines for each. Virtual machines provide flexibility, cost savings, and efficient resource utilization for organizations and individuals. They are commonly used for software development, testing, and running legacy applications on modern systems.