Choosing the best virtual machine depends on whether you want a system or process virtual machine, what operating systems you need, if you need the boot CD, and if it can run alongside your current system. Some virtual machines can handle multiple operating systems, while others require installation disks. The best virtual machine can run different operating systems simultaneously, but requires enough RAM.
A virtual machine, despite looking like hardware, tends almost exclusively to software. The Internet and many software stores are full of virtual machine programs, so it can be difficult to find the best virtual machine. To choose the best, decide whether you want a system or a process virtual machine, what operating systems you want your virtual machine to handle, whether you need the operating system boot CD, and whether the separate operating system can run alongside that you are using or if it will have to start by itself.
Virtual machines are divided into two main branches: system and process. A system virtual machine refers to software that allows you to install and run an entirely different operating system on your computer. This second operating system will operate independently, allowing you to install and use software made exclusively for that operating system. A process virtual machine is built for a single process, such as being able to run a program built for a different operating system than the one it’s running. To choose the best virtual machine, you need to choose a virtual machine that can emulate an entire operating system or just emulate it for a single process.
Some virtual machines can handle your choice of a different operating system or more at the same time. The best virtual machine software can usually emulate all major operating systems at once, but if you’re never going to use the other operating systems, it might not be worth it. Virtual machines that can only handle one operating system are usually cheaper and, if you’re downloading a free virtual machine, have less memory.
When you install the separate operating system on your computer, some virtual machines will require the installation disc that came with that operating system. This type of virtual machine is more expensive to run because you need to purchase an installation disk. Others are able to smoothly emulate an operating system without the need for an installation disc, but this is normally for process VMs and rarely for system VMs.
Virtual machines tend to run an operating system differently. Some are capable of running one operating system in a different window, which allows you to use both operating systems at the same time; others must boot into the second operating system and can only run one at a time. The best virtual machine will be able to run different operating systems simultaneously in a different window, but make sure your computer has enough random access memory (RAM) to handle this feature. This is very memory intensive, and if you are low on RAM, your computer may not be able to run both operating systems at the same time without lag.
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