There are a number of benefits available to smart computer users willing to invest a little time to learn how to use virtualization. While commercial offerings generally add some advanced features like remote control and centralized administration, the advantages for personal computer users can be explored and used for free.
The following list highlights the top advantages of running virtual machines on personal computers. Details of each benefit follows the list.
- Run Alternative Operating Systems
- Safer Internet Browsing and Banking
- Software Testing on VMs
- Customized VMs for Multiple Users
- Snapshots for Easy Backup and Restore
Run Linux or Other Operating Systems Without Switching From Windows
Many people would like to try an alternative operating system, like one of the Linux distributions, FreeBSD, or even other versions of Windows before giving up their current installations. Also, a specific program might be exactly what a user needs, but isn't offered in his native operating system. By running in a virtual machine, users can retain their current software and settings while working in other operating systems.
Safer Internet Browsing and Financial Transactions
Operating memory, programs, and configurations in a virtual machine are completely isolated from those of other virtual machines and also those of the host system. This makes it possible to use one virtual machine for personal us and casual browsing, another for work, and yet another strictly for conducting financial transactions on-line. This VM can be made "read-only," making it virtually immune to attacks of viruses, trojans, and other malware.
Test Programs and Configurations
Software testers can use VMs to test perfromance and functionality of software. Rather than installing it on a number of different physical computers to see how the programs react with differing amounts of memory, or numbers of CPUs, the same physical computer can be used repeatedly, by simply changing the way the VMs are configured. Different versions of the same program can also be installed on their own VMs for comparison.
Custom VMs for different users
On shared systems, users can have their own virtual machines. This is more of a complete separation than simply having different user IDs on a single operating system. Each user can have a completely custom system with the operating system and software suite that works best. Since each VM has it's own file security and network settings, privacy can be easier to enforce and maintain.
Snapshots to Backup and Restore Entire Systems
Virtualization software provides facilities to take "snapshots" of existing VMs. At any time, a VM can be restored to the exact state it was in when a snapshot was taken. Even if software testing has led to system lock-up, or malware does manage to infiltrate a system's defenses, the VM can be reset to a healthy state. Persistent folders can be configured so reverting to a snapshot does not cause a loss of data.
Adopt Virtual Software for Free
Most common virtualization software can be installed for free. VMWare is the most well-known, and offers VMWare Server for free. VirtualBox from Sun is open source and is one of the easiest to install and use. Xen is another popular open source virtualization solution. Microsoft offers free virtualization software called VirtualPC, but it only runs on Windows and only supports Windows VMs. Users wishing to try Linux should select one of the other choices.
More Information About the Benefits of Virtualization
For more insight into the benefits of virtualization on personal computers, see Computer Virtualization Advantages. For a step-by-step guide to running Linux on a virtual machine in Windows (using VirtualBox), see Running Linux on a Virtual Machine in Windows.
Joe Poniatowski - I've been an IT consultant for over 20 years, and in that role I've written product reviews, training documentation, technical ...
