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