A virtual machine (VM) is software that acts like a physical computer. It runs its own operating system and applications, just like a laptop or server would, but without the need for extra hardware. Think of it as creating miniature computers inside your actual machine, all isolated from each other. This means you can have multiple environments running on the same hardware, but without them interfering with each other.
Virtual machines allow businesses to make better use of their hardware, cut costs, and increase efficiency, all while providing the flexibility that physical computers can’t match.
How does a virtual machine work?
Virtual machines are powered by virtualization technology. A piece of software called a hypervisor divides the physical computer’s resources—such as memory and CPU—so multiple VMs can share them without affecting each other. The hypervisor allows these VMs to run simultaneously, creating the virtual hardware each VM needs to operate as if it were a standalone computer.
This approach helps companies get more from their hardware, offering flexibility and control over the environments they manage. It’s especially useful for running different operating systems or testing new software in isolated conditions.
The 5 most common types of virtualization
Virtualization comes in many forms, each serving its own purpose. Here are the top 5 types you should know:
Hardware (server) virtualization: Turns physical servers into multiple VMs, maximizing resources.
Software virtualization: Allows software environments to run separately, making software easier to manage and control.
Storage virtualization: Pools physical storage into a single virtual environment, simplifying storage management.
Network virtualization: Creates virtual networks that can be configured and managed without needing new physical hardware.
Desktop virtualization: Hosts virtual desktops on remote servers, letting users access their workspace from any device.
What are hypervisors?
Hypervisors are the unsung heroes of virtualization. They manage the resources on your physical machine and allocate them to each virtual machine. The hypervisor ensures that VMs can operate independently of one another, even though they share the same hardware.
There are two main types of hypervisors, and they serve different needs.
Type 1 (bare-metal) hypervisors
A bare-metal hypervisor runs directly on the physical hardware without needing an operating system. It’s fast, efficient, and is usually found in data centers or enterprise environments where performance is crucial. Microsoft Hyper-V is one example. This type is ideal for large-scale virtualization projects where resource optimization matters most.
Type 2 (hosted) hypervisors
A hosted hypervisor runs on top of an existing operating system. While it’s not as fast as a bare-metal hypervisor, it’s more accessible for everyday users. Commonly used in smaller environments or for testing, examples include VMware Workstation and Oracle VM VirtualBox.
Benefits of virtual machines
Why use virtual machines? Here’s a few main reasons:
Reduced costs: Virtual machines eliminate the need for physical servers, saving on hardware, energy, and maintenance.
Quick setup: Deploying new virtual environments is fast and easy compared to setting up new hardware.
Secure testing: You’re able to run tests in isolated environments without affecting your primary system.
Portable: Easily move VMs between servers or even across different platforms.
Scale on demand: Need more resources? No problem. Spin up new VMs quickly to handle increasing workloads.
Setting up a virtual machine
Getting a virtual machine up and running is simpler than you think. First, pick your platform (Hyper-V) or a cloud service such as Azure). Install the hypervisor, and from there, you’ll create a new VM by choosing its operating system, memory allocation, and storage size. Once the VM is set up, install the guest operating system and configure it according to your needs.
Virtual machine best practices
To get the most out of your VMs, follow these best practices:
Monitor performance: Keep an eye on CPU, memory, and storage usage to prevent performance dips.
Optimize resources: Allocate just the right amount of resources to each VM—too much can lead to wasted capacity, while too little will slow things down.
Keep security tight: Ensure VMs are updated regularly and always run them in isolated environments to reduce the risk of security breaches.
Types of virtual machines
There are two main types of VMs: process and system.
- Process virtual machines run a single application or process. Think of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) that allows Java apps to run on any system.
- System virtual machines emulate an entire operating system, making it possible to run multiple OSes on a single physical machine.
Use cases for virtual machines
Virtual machines offer countless use cases:
Development and testing: VMs provide a safe space to experiment with new software or test beta versions of operating systems.
Legacy applications: Some older apps require specific operating systems, and VMs can host these environments without impacting your current setup.
Server consolidation: Multiple servers can be merged into fewer physical machines using VMs, reducing hardware costs.
Disaster recovery and backup: VMs make it easier to back up entire systems and recover from hardware failures.
Virtual machines vs. virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
Though similar, VMs and VDI serve different purposes. VMs are typically used for server virtualization, while VDI delivers virtual desktops to users, enabling remote access to a consistent desktop experience.
Purpose: VMs are designed for server and application virtualization, while VDI is designed for desktop environments.
User experience: VMs are typically accessed and managed by IT professionals, whereas VDI provides end-users with a familiar desktop experience.
Management: VDI focuses on delivering and managing desktop environments, while VMs require broader infrastructure management.
Security: Both offer isolation, but VDI is tailored to provide secure access to desktop applications and data for remote users.
When deciding between VMs and VDI, it depends on whether your focus is server/application management or delivering virtual desktops to users.
Virtual machines vs. containers
Virtual machines and containers are both forms of virtualization, but they differ in how they operate. VMs emulate entire operating systems, while containers virtualize at the application layer, sharing the host OS kernel but running applications in isolated environments.
VMs are heavier because they include the entire OS and virtual hardware, which can be overkill if you only need to run lightweight applications.
Containers are lightweight, making them ideal for cloud-native applications that need to be quickly deployed and scaled. However, VMs are better for running multiple different operating systems on the same machine.
For large-scale operations that require full OS environments, VMs are ideal, whereas containers are better suited for modern app development that prioritizes speed and efficiency.
Virtual machines: key takeaways
Virtual machines are a powerful tool for businesses looking to reduce costs, improve flexibility, and streamline IT operations. At Nerdio, we take VM management to the next level by integrating it seamlessly with Azure environments. Our solutions simplify VM deployment, management, and scaling, whether you’re running complex applications, testing new software, or consolidating servers.
With Nerdio, businesses can get more out of their virtual environments—faster provisioning, automated management, and built-in cost control features. Whether you’re focused on development, disaster recovery, or modernizing your infrastructure, Nerdio helps you harness the full potential of VMs to drive efficiency and growth.
Ready to take control of your virtual machines with ease? Discover how Nerdio can simplify your VM management and boost efficiency in Azure. Contact us today to get started!
