What is Virtualization Technology?(Intel)?

3 Comments

1. Gabe says:

   January 3, 2010 at 3:36 am

   X86 virtualization
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   The correct title of this article is x86 virtualization. The initial letter is capitalized due to technical restrictions.
   x86 virtualization is the method by which the x86 processor architecture is virtualized. Unfortunately, the x86 processor architecture did not originally meet the Popek and Goldberg virtualization requirements. As a result, it was very difficult to implement a general virtual machine on an x86 processor. Recent extensions to the x86 architecture have resolved this and other virtualization difficulties.
2. Atris says:

   January 3, 2010 at 3:36 am

   It is the simulation of a computer system that runs on a computer system. It is used so that you can host multiple, independent copies of (possibly different) operating systems on a single computer. It is "virtual" in the sense that the operating system thinks its running on a physical computer, when in reality it is sandboxed inside of software machine.

   This is useful to:

   (1) Run multiple different installations of Windows on one computer (same or different versions) to test software and software installations without corrupting your main system or to test them in an environment similiar to that being used by the ultimate users of an application.

   (2) To run diverse operating system simulateously. For example, I can have a Red Hat Linux destop system running Windows XP, Debian Linux, Suse Linux (and maybe even OS X) in seperate virtual machines. Desktop users use this to gain access to applications that don’t ordinarily run on their host operating system and/or for testing in applications development.

   (3) One of the most common uses is to subdivide a single piece of underutilized hardware into multiple virtual machines either to increase utilitization (therefore descreasing cost and improving efficiency) or to share resources (e.g. a web hosting providing can charge you less if you and 5 other users have your own dedicated "virtual" machines than if each of you have your own physical machine). Of course, even though each machine is administratively independent, performance will be lower because hardware is shared, but you will be charged less.

   (4) To simulate multiple computers for the purpose of functionally testing and/or developing distributed applications. This is not useful for load testing, however.
3. Hugh says:

   January 3, 2010 at 3:36 am

   Intel Virtualization Technology is part of a collection of premier Intel designed and manufactured silicon technologies that deliver new and improved computing benefits for home and business users, and IT managers. Others in the market today include Intel Hyper-Threading Technology and Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology, with plans for Intel Active Management Technology and LaGrande Technology that focus on management and greater security underway.

   Virtualization enhanced by Intel Virtualization Technology will allow a platform to run multiple operating systems and applications in independent partitions. With virtualization, one computer system can function as multiple “virtual” systems. With processor and I/O enhancements to Intel’s various platforms, Intel Virtualization Technology can improve the performance and robustness of today’s software-only virtual machine solutions.

   Within the digital office and enterprise, for example, businesses will be able to isolate a portion of a managed PC to perform system upgrades and maintenance without interrupting the end-user. IT managers could also create one desktop PC build that can function independently as both a business and personal system, keeping software loads and virus attacks separate, or one that runs different operating systems and software for different or legacy tasks. Multiple servers can be combined into one system, running different applications and operating systems, providing advantages for IT tasks such as server consolidation, legacy migration and security.

   Home users could create virtual “partitions” isolating multiple user environments such as dedicating resources to a PC game, productivity, and personal video recorder-type environments, as well as improve defenses against viruses or spy ware.

   Intel Virtualization Technology is a set of hardware enhancements to Intel server and client platforms that can improve virtualization solutions.