A Virtual Machine (VM) is essentially a digital replication of a physical computer.
At its core, a VM is a software-based version of a computer system. It simulates dedicated computer hardware, allowing you to run an operating system (OS) and applications just like you would on a physical machine.
What Constitutes a VM?
Unlike a physical computer that relies on tangible components like a CPU chip, RAM sticks, and a hard drive, a VM uses entirely virtual resources instead of physical components.
This means that the VM's "content" or resources—its virtual CPU, virtual memory, virtual storage, and virtual network interfaces—are abstracted from the underlying physical hardware. Multiple VMs can share the resources of a single physical machine, managed by a layer of software called a hypervisor.
Key Elements and Capabilities
Think of a VM as a self-contained environment running within another operating system or directly on hardware via a hypervisor. Its capabilities mirror those of a physical computer:
- Operating System: Each VM can run its own OS (Windows, Linux, macOS, etc.), independent of the host machine's OS.
- Programs and Applications: You can install and run software inside a VM just like on a regular computer.
- Data Storage: VMs have virtual storage space, where you can store files and data.
- Networking: VMs can connect to networks, access the internet, and communicate with other computers (physical or virtual).
In simple terms, the "content" of a VM refers to the virtual hardware resources allocated to it, the operating system installed within it, and the applications and data that run and are stored inside its isolated environment.
By abstracting the hardware, VMs provide flexibility, portability, and efficient use of underlying physical resources.
