You probably know that devices are operating system (OS) specific and thus in one machine you can run one operating system only. What if you are a Mac user and want to test the Windows 10? Do you have to spend many dollars and buy a new Windows laptop for that? Here a Virtual Machine can help. It is a technology that lets you run multiple operating systems on one machine. This article will provide you more insight about virtual machines.
These machines let you run different system software in a separate window but within a common computer. Your host OS will run as it is and within that OS you can create a virtual PC in a separate window. In that virtual system, you can run any other operating system of your requirement. For instance, you have a Mac PC with MAC OS X as the main OS. Then if you create a virtual computer on your Mac PC, you can separately run Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10 or Linux.
What's a Virtual Machine?
A virtual machine also known as VM is a PC program that creates a virtual computer system supported by virtual hardware devices. This virtual computer runs as a process in a separate window on your host operating system. Thus, you can boot a different system software in this machine using installer disc or live CD. Here, you trick the OS into thinking that it is running on a real computer. The OS will get installed and run just as it does in a real PC.
For a virtual computer, first you need to create a virtual hard drive. In this virtual hard drive, the OS will get stored. But the OS will receive the hard drive as a real hard drive. However, the system software over virtual computers is not as fast as the one installed on real hardware. That is why, virtual systems are not ideal for playing demanding PC games that require serious CPU power and graphics.
Why would you require creating a VM?
These machines are good for geeky fun. Such as if you want to check the new Windows 10, and don't have a Windows PC then VM will help you in doing it.
• To try a new operating system without leaving your current OS:
o You can test the Windows system software, even in your Mac or Linux PC by creating a virtual computer. Thus, the virtual computer gives you the advantage of trying out a new system softwarw without leaving your current OS.
• To test apps and software specific to some other OS
o You can test OS specific software and apps in that virtual computer, or you can test the new version of Windows in it. When you complete your purpose, you can just delete the machine.
• To test the apps and software, you don't trust
o In addition, these machines are "sandboxed" from the rest of your computer. That means whatever you do inside a virtual computer can't escape the virtual PC environment to tamper with the rest of your device. Thus, rather than testing the programs you don't trust directly in your real computer's OS, you can use the virtual OS and test the performance of the software.
How to do the Setting Up?
Setting up a virtual PC is easy with the help of several good free programs. Here are the quick steps to follow:
Download and install paid or free VM software of your choice
• Launch it and click the button that reads "Create a new virtual machine."
• A wizard will then lead you through the process
• Select the operating system you want to install
• The wizard will automatically choose the suitable defaults for your chosen OS
• Accept the default options set by the wizard
• Finally, when prompted, insert an installation media, like a DVD, CD or an ISO file with a Linux or Windows installer on it.
• The virtual computer will now boot and then load the OS from that installation media.
After you finish working with your virtual PC, you can either close the window or shut it down. To open it next time, open your paid or free VM software and just double-click on the VM.
Russell Winters is an ardent technician associated with Qresolve computer support with wide experience of fixing issues with PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. With a strong track record of devising effective ways of internet security and system security, she has so far helped thousands of users across the globe. Her writings on tech issues are the reflection of her in-depth interest and command she carries as a remote pc support technician. Her blogs and articles have been rated high for their lucid style and easy to understand language.