Client-side Virtualization - CompTIA A+ 220-1101 - 4.2

Summary

Virtualization technology allows running multiple operating systems (OS) on a single device simultaneously, such as macOS, Windows, and Linux. By using virtualization software, these OSs share the same hardware but appear independent to each one. It has been in use since the '60s with IBM mainframes and is now prevalent on desktops and servers. Virtualization is particularly useful for legacy software, software development, and testing in isolated environments. However, security concerns like VM escaping must be considered, and network configurations for VMs are critical for communication between virtual machines and other devices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Virtualization allows multiple operating systems (OS) to run simultaneously on a single device.
• 😀 Each OS on a virtual machine (VM) operates as though it has its own dedicated CPU, memory, and storage, but they share the same hardware.
• 😀 Virtualization can be done on a desktop or a standalone server, with different environments typically found in data centers or enterprise settings.
• 😀 Virtualization has been around since the 1960s with IBM mainframes, and is now used in modern PC environments for running various OS.
• 😀 A common use of virtualization is running legacy software on older operating systems while using modern OS on the same device.
• 😀 Virtualization eliminates the need for partitioning or rebooting when switching between operating systems, saving time and resources.
• 😀 The hypervisor or virtual machine manager is responsible for managing resources like CPU, memory, and storage across different VMs.
• 😀 Hardware-based virtualization (VT for Intel or AMD-V for AMD) enhances performance, and certain hypervisors require these CPU features.
• 😀 Sufficient RAM and storage are crucial for running multiple virtual machines effectively, as each OS consumes significant resources.
• 😀 Virtualization also enables isolated testing environments for developers, allowing them to safely test software without affecting production systems.

Q & A

What is virtualization technology?

Virtualization technology allows multiple operating systems to run on a single desktop simultaneously, sharing the same hardware resources such as CPU, memory, and storage, while each operating system appears to have its own dedicated resources.

How does virtualization benefit users who need to run different operating systems?

Virtualization enables users to run multiple operating systems at the same time without needing separate devices or partitions. It allows easy switching between operating systems, such as macOS, Windows, and Linux, without restarting the machine.

What is the role of the hypervisor in virtualization?

The hypervisor, or virtual machine manager, is responsible for managing resources like CPU, memory, and storage across multiple virtual machines. It ensures that each virtual machine operates as if it were running on its own dedicated system.

What are the potential risks associated with virtualization, specifically VM escaping?

VM escaping occurs when malware running on a virtual machine gains access to the hypervisor, allowing it to infect other virtual machines running on the same system. This can lead to significant security vulnerabilities.

What are some advantages of using virtualization for software development?

Virtualization allows developers to test and develop software in isolated environments without affecting production systems. Developers can create snapshots to save different states of virtual machines and revert back if needed, ensuring safety and flexibility during development.

How does virtualization help with running legacy software?

Virtualization allows users to run older operating systems as virtual machines, enabling the use of legacy software that might not be compatible with modern systems. This allows for both old and new software to run simultaneously on the same machine.

What hardware considerations should be made when using virtualization on a desktop?

When using virtualization, it's essential to have a CPU with hardware-based virtualization support, such as Intel VT or AMD-V. Additionally, sufficient RAM and storage space are crucial to ensure smooth operation for multiple virtual machines.

What is sandboxing in the context of virtualization?

Sandboxing refers to the practice of isolating virtual machines, often used by developers, to create a controlled testing environment. This prevents test code from impacting production systems, providing a safe space for experimentation.

Why is it important to build your own virtual machines rather than using pre-installed ones?

Building your own virtual machines is crucial because downloading pre-installed VMs from third-party sources can expose your system to potential malware. Without knowing what’s inside, there’s a risk that the VM could be compromised.

What are some network configuration options for virtual machines?

Virtual machines can be configured with different networking setups, including shared network addresses (where the VM uses the same IP as the host), bridged network addresses (where the VM gets its own unique IP), or private addresses (where the VM can only communicate within its local virtual network).