Full virtualization transforms an entire computer system into a software construct that acts like the original hardware. It has several uses, including testing software and expanding the utility of a single computer. Full virtualization is rare but allows for complete desktop environments, isolated hardware/software systems, and improved performance.
Full virtualization is a process in which an entire computer system is transformed into a software construct. This construct acts like the original hardware in every way. Software designed for the hardware will install on the construct as if it were the real computer and then run with little or no slowdown. Using full virtualization has several uses, such as testing software in a virtual environment or expanding the utility of a single computer or server through virtual operating systems. While partial virtualization is very common, full virtualization is relatively rare.
To be a complete virtualization, an entire hardware system must be transformed into software. Every action and nuance of the original hardware must pass to the virtual system. Because this is such a huge undertaking and some system manufacturers take steps to discourage it, full virtualization is quite rare. It is much more common to find partial virtualization, where all the necessary system bits are present, but the physical hardware system handles most of the low-level computations and functions.
On a full virtualization machine, the software emulates the original machine so closely that any programs will install into the software without conversions or extra steps. The virtual interface mimics the hardware set up to such an extent that the software will work exactly the same way it does on the natural system. With partial virtualization, there is almost always a lag on installed programs as commands are moved between the emulated and actual hardware.
There are a number of reasons why full virtualization is a major computing goal. When a machine and its operating system are fully virtualized, it can be served to individual users as a complete desktop environment. Users can use it exactly how they want, by changing any setting or installing any program. If a problem occurs, administrators can simply delete the user’s specific virtual segment and then give them a clean new one.
Likewise, the isolated hardware/software system in a full virtualization environment is completely separate from the real machine hardware. This means that a user, no matter what he may do, will never actually interact with the physical hardware. This means that destructive user actions, intentional or accidental, are less harmful to the real system.
The last common goal is the most technical. Since the software system is not limited by the actual hardware in the system, the virtual hardware can be modified to improve performance over the original machine. Redundant or unnecessary hardware may be removed. Existing hardware could have its parameters modified to act in ways that were impossible for the original hardware. This allows the system to run at maximum efficiency, which is nearly impossible for a real hardware system to do.
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