What does virtualization allow users to do?

Virtualization is a technology that enables users to create multiple virtual instances of hardware or software on a single physical machine. This is primarily accomplished through software called hypervisors, which allows multiple operating systems to run concurrently on the same hardware. This can be particularly beneficial for server consolidation, testing different operating systems, and efficiently allocating resources, as it allows for better utilization of the underlying hardware.

Running multiple operating systems on a single physical machine means different environments can be tested and developed without the need for additional physical resources, which can lead to cost savings and greater flexibility in managing IT environments. Each virtual machine operates independently, so one OS can have its own applications and configurations without interfering with others, which is a significant advantage in development and IT operations.