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Geek Session on Virtual Machines Handout

What is a virtual machine?

A virtual machine (VM) is the software implementation of a computer that executes programs like a physical machine. The VM runs inside a host operating system, using the hardware of the physical machine.

What operating systems (OSs) can be run as VMs?

This is possible with Microsoft, Mac, Linux and other OSs.

How does a VM installation differ from a dual boot installation?

With a dual boot installation, the user installs two or more OSs on the same computer and decides which OS to run when the computer boots up. The user has to reboot the computer to switch from one OS to another.

With a VM installation, the user boots the computer with the host OS and then launches the VM from inside the host OS. It is possible to switch back and forth between the two systems without shutting down the host OS. Though not practical, it is also possible to run multiple VM OSs simultaneously.

Why should I opt for a VM installation instead of a dual boot installation?

It is easier to install/remove an OS installed as a VM. Unlike the dual boot installation, the user can simply install/remove the VM without reformatting the hard drive or re-editing the boot menu. If the VM becomes corrupted, the problem is sand-boxed; it doesn't compromise the host OS.

|What are the most common VM programs for the end user? |

| |VM Ware by (commercial product for Microsoft, Linux) |

| |VirtualBox by Oracle; (freeware, open source software for Microsoft, Linux, Mac) |

| |HyperV by Microsoft; |

| |(included as a component of Windows 8 Pro) |

| |Microsoft Virtual PC; ; (freeware for Windows 7) |

| |Parallels by ; ; (commercial product for Mac OS) |

What VM program was demonstrated at the Virtual Machines Geek Session?

Ralph Sutter used Oracle's VirtualBox 4.2.6 for Windows Hosts;

Where can I get more information about virtual machines?

The Internet is your most up-to-date source is search engines on the Internet. That will take you to numerous forums and resource repositories.

My notes are available at virtual.html.

Ralph Sutter

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