Virtual machines (VM) have become an integral part of the modern IT world. If earlier it was the prerogative of system administrators and developers, today virtualization is available to everyone – from a student to a business owner. But why do we need virtual machines at all, and how to work with them? Let’s figure it out.

🔍 What is a virtual machine?

A virtual machine is a software-created copy of a computer that runs inside another computer. That is, you have a “main” system (called the host), and you run another operating system on it as a regular application (called the guest system).

Example: you use Windows, but want to test Linux – you can install Linux as a virtual machine and run it directly from Windows.

🧩 Why do we need virtual machines?

1. Testing programs and systems
You can safely install and test programs without the risk of “breaking” the main system.

2. Isolation and security
A virus in a virtual machine will not damage the main system – it is isolated. This is convenient when opening suspicious files.

3. Working with different OS
You can run Windows, Linux, macOS (under certain conditions) and other systems on one computer – without rebooting.

4. Development and DevOps
Developers use VMs to create, test and deploy applications in different environments.

5. Saving resources in business
Servers can simultaneously run dozens of virtual machines, reducing costs on physical equipment.

🛠️ How to use a virtual machine?

To get started, you’ll need:

👉 1. Virtualization software

The most popular ones are:

• VirtualBox (free, from Oracle)
• VMware Workstation Player (free for non-commercial use)
• Hyper-V (built into Windows Pro/Enterprise)
• Parallels (for macOS)Parallels (for macOS)

👉 2. Operating system image (ISO)

This is the file from which the virtual machine will be “installed” as if from a regular disk.

🧑‍💻 Example of installing a VM in VirtualBox

Download and install VirtualBox from the official website.

Create a new virtual machine and select an OS (e.g. Ubuntu).

Specify:

• Name,
• RAM size (e.g. 2 GB),
• Virtual disk size (e.g. 20 GB).
• Select the ISO file with the system image.

Click “Start” and follow the OS installation instructions as on a regular computer.

🧠 Usage tips

• 📁 Store important data on the host machine, not inside the VM – it’s safer.
• 🚀 Set up Guest Additions (in VirtualBox) – this improves performance and allows, for example, exchanging files between systems.
• 🧹 Clean up unused VMs – they can take up a lot of space.
• 🔒 Create snapshots before installing new programs – you can roll back if something goes wrong.

🏢 Using virtual machines in business

In a corporate environment, virtualization helps:

• Share one physical server between different departments;
• Flexibly configure the development and testing environment;
• Ensure fault tolerance and quick recovery from failures;

Deploy temporary or experimental services without purchasing new hardware.

Virtual machines are not just a technical “gimmick”, but a universal tool that can simplify everyday work, ensure security and expand the possibilities of using a computer. Today, virtualization is available to everyone – and anyone can try it, even without experience in IT.