By Jessica Schulze
Publication Date: 2026-08-15 05:00:00
Key takeaways
In simple terms, a virtual machine is software that enables you to create isolated environments on your computer, like separate rooms in a house. Discover more about virtual machines, their uses, pros and cons, and types of virtualization careers. If you’ve decided to begin developing your skills in this field, enroll in the Google Cloud Infrastructure for AWS Professionals Specialization. In as little as four weeks, you can learn about virtual machines, cloud engineering, cloud applications, hybrid cloud computing, and more.
What is a virtual machine (VM)?
A virtual machine is not a physical machine. It’s a file that replicates the computing environment of a physical machine. It’s similar to how virtual reality (VR) environments replicate the real world. VR isn’t a physical space; it’s a virtual imitation. Still, we can perform real-world functions in VR, such as exploring and interacting with objects. Instead of imitating video game functions, virtual machine software emulates computer system functions. With VR, you can explore a new environment without leaving home. With VM software, you can run programs and store data without using hardware.
What is an example of a virtual machine in real life?
Imagine you have a powerful computer in your home office that can run multiple programs simultaneously. You can use virtual machine software to create isolated environments on this computer, like separate rooms in a house. Each virtual machine acts like a…
