The virtual machine is the type of computer that does not require the physical hardware components or requires very little. Nowadays, virtual machines or VMs have become essential assets and tools to be used in business-oriented computing. These computers work as the emulator of the computer device or the task driving program. In short, it is the small part of the software that allows users to run the operating system in it and let them complete computing tasks.
What is Virtual Machine?
The virtual machine is the virtual computer that runs within the physical computing device. It is the computer file or folder that acts like a physical computer but exists virtually. It works similar to other programs or applications run within the computer and its window. It helps the user experience as they are operating a virtual computer within the same host computer. With the help of the virtual environment created by the virtual machine, the user can test the operating system rather than using the virus-infected OS in the device.
Moreover, it works the same as the physical computer works. Also, users can spend many hours with their virtual computer interface. Every VM holds its CPU, storage, ram, and other components to work correctly. By using such VMs, the user can save money and maintenance costs.
Advantages of Virtual Machine
1. Need Less Physical Hardware Components
If we talk in general, then setting up a physical computer requires several hardware components. It can require two OS servers, an engineering station, and many other servers for various purposes. Along with this, the organizations also need to spend their money to maintain these devices. However, opting for the VMs can save some of its capital expenditure by providing similar performance.
2. Better in Terms of Security
You don’t know which application or the program can harm your device and you as well. Hence to prevent such threats, you can look for virtual machines. You can install the application and run it in the guest modes as they have the exciting feature recognized as the guest operating system. If you do so and the application is affected by malware or harmful code. It will cause only temporary damage to the system.
3. Can Run Multiple Operating System
Another great advantage of a virtual machine is running many operating systems on the host computer. As every operating system virtually exists separately within the host. And also stay isolated from each other hence the user can work on many operating systems when they need those. In simple terms, the VM holds the software in different files. All are isolated from each other hence with the same computer. The user can work with many OS and stay productive without causing any additional cost to the company.
4. Have ISA Structure
It also has the ISA structure that is one of the most valuable abstracts, and it keeps the hardware and software. And the ISA of a VM is entirely different from the physical devices; hence, every task executed in both devices is managed separately. Thus, the benefit of using a virtual machine is that it comes with an ISA structure that keeps the hardware and software components of the virtual and physical computer separately.
5. Benefit of Fast Disaster Recovery
The disaster recovery in the VM can be made quickly with no time. When you host access to the VM, you can go online again and run your virtual computer on the same host. And this process does not take much time, but it can be tough to handle if your virtual computer does not work.
6. A Reliable Machine
The best thing about virtual machines is that everything happens virtually, and their hardware components exist virtually. Hence if the VM crashes, then there will not be an issue in the physical computer. And the lost data can be recovered again through virtual resources. Hence it is also an exciting advantage of virtual machines that the user of VM can expect.
7. Have Malware Detection Feature
In the VM, a separate sandbox exists that gives space so the user can test the applications whether they are secure or not. Using this feature of VM, the user can prevent any online threats. Moreover, it does not negatively impact the physical storage of the computer, and it stays safe from such threats.
Disadvantages of Virtual Machine
1. Expensive Investment
However, there are many advantages of using the virtual machine, but there are still several disadvantages of VM. One of the crucial disadvantages of a virtual machine is its running cost. Compared to physical computing devices, virtual computers that exist in cloud computing cost more. Although, the expense varies from the needs of the organizations and the users.
2. Can Have to Sacrifice With Performance
The virtual computer runs virtually, but still, it has a dependency on the host machine, and it entirely depends upon the host computer. If the host computer is not robust, then the experience with VM will be low. Hence it will not be able to give a more productive experience to the user. Thus, if the user wants to get high performance with their VM, they need to have a strong host computer that can easily handle the VM.
3. Issue of Efficiency in The Result
As we discussed, virtual machines exist virtually, and their hardware and software components also exist virtually. Hence their operating system wouldn’t be as efficient as the OS of a physical computer while accessing physical components. Hence the users will not have a much efficient user experience. In many IT companies, the slow VM can not come into use if their speed is slow. They need to look for a system that can provide a balanced experience of physical and virtual computers.
4. Complex Structure
The structure of virtual machines is complex as they are connected with multiple local area networks or LANs. Hence, if any fault happens, it will be challenging to find out where the fault occurred. Thus, the organization needs to hire an IT employee who can efficiently solve such faults and keep running such devices properly.
Conclusion
Virtual machines are the type of computer that exists virtually within the host computer. It has several pros and cons for the user. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of virtual machines we discussed above. I hope now you have learned about virtual machines and their advantages and disadvantages.