What is a virtual machine?
GeneralClass 10CBSEAnswered 25 May 2026
Answer
A virtual machine (VM) is a software simulation of a complete computer. It runs inside another computer as an application, but from the inside behaves exactly like a real, separate machine — with its own OS, files, and network settings.
Your physical computer runs Windows. A VM app (VirtualBox, VMware, Parallels) creates a sandboxed environment where Ubuntu Linux runs simultaneously. The two systems do not interfere.
Why use VMs:
- Run software that requires a different OS
- Test safely without risking your main system
- Isolate environments for security research
- Run multiple server environments on one physical machine
- Easy backup and restore (snapshots)
Difference from Docker: a VM includes its own full OS kernel. A container shares the host's kernel. VMs are heavier but more fully isolated.
Suggested Q&A
General · Class 10- GeneralClass 10Explain the role of an entrepreneur as an innovator and job and wealth generator.
- GeneralClass 10The spirit of entrepreneurship helps an individual to grow. Explain this statement in detail.
- GeneralClass 10Explain the process of entrepreneurship in detail.
- GeneralClass 10Explain the role of entrepreneur as described by Peter Drucker.
- GeneralClass 10How does Jean Baptiste Say envisage the role of the entrepreneur?
- GeneralClass 10According to a famous thinker Peter Drucker, innovation is a specific instrument of an entrepreneur. Hence he believes that an effective entrepreneur converts a source into a resource. When is a source converted into a resource? Explain with the help if an example.