CC&G - Week 2 Posting: Virtual Machines

 Virtual Machines

    Virtual Machines (VMs) are computers that use physical system resources to run logically rather than physically. Multiple VMs can run at the same time on a single physical device. Each VM can also feature its own operating system, Windows, Mac, or Linux, and functions that operate independently from the other VMs.

    VMs can be deployed for a variety of purposes and needs. Enterprise-level organizations and data centers might deploy VMs to virtualize servers for cloud, network, or storage purposes. Anyone from the standard user to an expert IT professional can deploy VMs for development, testing, or educational purposes. 

    One of the use cases I am familiar with is the virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). VDI allows for a virtual desktop. These virtual desktops can be configured to be persistent or non-persistent. At my job, we have several computer stations for employees to access company resources, like the time clock, training, and more. Each computer allows the employee to sign in and present a non-persistent desktop to access the needed resources. When they sign out, the computer is ready with another clean desktop for the next employee. VDI allows for the continued and expanded access to resources while decreasing the quality of physical hardware required to access them.