Week 7 Blog Post - Virtualization 101

Virtualization 101

Virtualization is the process of running a virtual computer inside your physical computer using special software. This allows one machine to act like multiple separate systems, each with its own operating system and files. It is commonly used in IT for testing, learning, and running programs safely without affecting the main system. A virtual machine, or VM, is a software-based computer that runs like a real one. You can install an operating system on it, use programs, and even make mistakes without causing problems for your actual computer. Programs like VirtualBox make it easy to get started. You create a virtual machine, install something like Linux or another version of Windows, and then use it just like a regular desktop. One of the biggest benefits of virtualization is safety. If something goes wrong inside the VM, you can reset it without losing anything important. It is also a great way to practice skills and explore new systems. For anyone new to computer hardware and software, virtualization is a helpful tool that can make learning easier and safer.

References:

Oracle. (2025). VirtualBox. https://www.virtualbox.org/

Meyers, M. (2019). CompTIA A+ certification all-in-one exam guide (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

YouTube. (2012, February 3). Introduction to Virtualization [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLJbP6vBk2M