A Virtual Machine is a virtual representation of the host (physical) computer system. It provides the user with the same experience as the host computer system. It has a virtual CPU, network interface, memory, and storage. A virtual machine replaces the host's hardware with software to deploy applications and perform related tasks. In other words, a VM enables multiple operating systems to be installed on one computer. It is also used for developing applications, running software that is incompatible with the host's operating system, and backing up operating systems. When a VM is installed, the process can be thought of as placing a virtual computer inside the host computer.
How Does VM Work?
The Virtual Machine runs as a process in the application window. In other words, it is presented as an application window. The VM has an operating system, log file, NVRAM settings file, virtual disk file and configuration file and applications. It works similarly to a host computer.
A virtual machine uses the virtualization technique. The virtualization technique is implemented with software called a hypervisor that creates, manages and runs VMs. Because VMs are virtual, multiple VMs can reside on a single server. The server uses the hypervisor to manage the VMs. The hypervisor combines the hardware of the VM with the physical components on the server and creates a virtual environment. For instance, like the systems used in internet cafes.
Why VM Is Used and Who Uses It?
A virtual machine is used when physical resources need to be shared between virtual computers and a different operating system is needed to run a software. A VM is a virtual space where code can be run separately from the rest of the system. Therefore, a VM is used to test new software and run code that may be malicious. It is also used to run software that does not run on a computer's operating system.
A virtual machine can be used by any computer user. However, cybersecurity experts and software developers are more likely to use a virtual machine.
What Are the Advantages of VM?
A virtual machine offers several advantages over physical computers:
- Energy Saving: Multiple VMs can run on the host. Therefore, the total energy consumed is reduced and energy is saved.
- Cost Savings: Since the VM supports legacy applications, it eliminates the cost of a new operating system. At the same time, since more than one VM can be run on the host, users do not have to buy a new server when they want to run another operating system.
- Flexibility: VM can be cloned into the existing operating system. Therefore, the VM can be created quickly and easily.
- Security: A VM is a file that can be scanned for malware. Because a VM can be created quickly and easily, a compromised VM can be easily deleted and recreated.
What Are Disadvantages of VM?
There are some potential disadvantages of a virtual machine
- Running multiple VMs on the host exhausts the system's resources and results in unstable performance if the infrastructure is inadequate.
- VM alone is low throughput.
What Are the Types of VM?
There are two kind of different virtual machine:
- System Virtual Machine
- Process Virtual Machine
System Virtual Machine
A system virtual machine provides all the functions of a physical computer operating system. It provides access to the host computer's resources and provides the user with the same hardware features as the host computer.
Process Virtual Machine
A process virtual machine supports a single-use transaction. In other words, it is created when the process starts and destroyed when it ends. It aims to execute the computer program in an off-platform environment.
Ethereum Virtual Machine and MetaVirtualMachine
The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is a computing machine that works like a decentralized computer with many executable projects. EVM is the virtual machine that underpins the entire operating structure of Ethereum. Ethereum nodes work on the EVM to maintain consensus on the blockchain network. The code inside the EVM stays only within itself. In other words, the code inside the EVM has no access to the network or other transactions. It operates in a decentralized manner, like a mainframe, to perform every task on the blockchain network.
Although the Ethereum virtual machine has proven itself in terms of functioning, it remains inefficient in terms of the approval and block creation time of transfer transactions and the fees paid for transactions.
MetaVirtualMachine (MVM) has a unique consensus structure and the ability for high-speed communication and synchronization between nodes. MVM enhances the potential offered by EVM by providing fast transfer confirmation in addition to the security and compliance provided by EVM.
