| Virtualization software are programs enabling you | | | | monitor and debug the virtualization software. I |
| to run multiple operating systems simultaneously | | | | remember a situation in which networking became |
| on a single computer. Using this software is fairly | | | | impossible because of a bug in the virtual network |
| easy. After launching the virtualization program | | | | addresses. The solution involved modifying a |
| you install a "guest" operating system that will be | | | | system control table. It wasn't enough to be a |
| known as a virtual machine in contrast to the | | | | networking specialist to solve the problem; you |
| main operating system called the "host." After | | | | had to access the virtualization software bug |
| installation, the virtual machines seem to be real | | | | reports and implement the corrections. |
| computers. Many users will not even know that | | | | VMWare is the major vendor of virtualization |
| they are virtual. What are the benefits of | | | | software. They offer a full range of products |
| virtualization? | | | | from the freely downloadable VMWare Player to |
| The system can become easier to manage, for | | | | workstation and server versions. VMWare |
| example by reducing backup and recovery time in | | | | products run on both Windows and Unix/Linux |
| part because a virtual machine is composed of | | | | operating systems, as well as on the Mac. |
| very few files, instead of thousands of files. | | | | VMware's enterprise software, VMware ESX |
| Testing software configurations on virtual | | | | Server, runs directly on the server hardware and |
| machines is quicker and less dangerous than | | | | does not require an underlying operating system. |
| testing them on the host computer. Hardware | | | | Microsoft's Virtual PC and Virtual Server are |
| upgrades can be done via a console server, | | | | available for free downloads. Please note, even if |
| thereby reducing the time needed to deploy | | | | the downloaded software is free don't expect |
| them. You can maintain legacy applications without | | | | that server virtualization will be costless. There is |
| interfering with the rest of the system. You can | | | | some support for selected Linux systems running |
| support several platforms such as Windows, | | | | under the Virtual Server. Virtual PC for Mac |
| Linux, and Macintosh. An individual computer can | | | | enables users to run a Windows operating system |
| be "split in two" allowing an individual to learn | | | | and Windows applications on a Macintosh. |
| real-life networking configuration without having to | | | | Parallels sells Desktop for Mac, the first |
| purchase two computers. Virtualization may save | | | | commercial virtualization product running under |
| energy and space by running fewer computers. | | | | Mac OS, a similar server program, and products |
| Of course there are disadvantages as well. This | | | | that run on Windows and Linux hosts. If you are |
| software is not always free (more about that | | | | seriously thinking about virtualization you should |
| later.) Under certain circumstances performance | | | | consider these products even though they aren't |
| will be affected. And some one will have to | | | | free. |