An Introduction to Virtualization
by Liz van Dijk on October 28, 2008 2:00 AM EST- Posted in
- IT Computing
Slightly Differing Answers to Slightly Differing Questions
So let's have another look at the kinds of virtualization that are currently expanding quite rapidly. To make the distinction of each clear, we'll be working from a basic system model. In the image below, we can see a system consisting of three basic layers: the physical hardware layer, the OS layer that is fully in control of this hardware, and the application layer resting snugly on top.
The way we distinguish forms of virtualization is by acknowledging which layer they affect, and what problem they intend to solve. A basic explanation will be given for each form we discuss, along with a list of products and their potential uses. It must be noted that, though we're used to employing a certain consistent terminology at our lab, readers might find other terms denoting the same technologies scattered throughout the internet. This is one of the reasons we feel a thorough explanation of each technology is needed. There's confusion as to which product offers which form of virtualization that can be avoided.
Without further ado, let's get on with the show.
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FATCamaro - Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - link
I wasn't clear on how the different hypervisor products compared (ESX, Xen, MS?) with respect to binary translation or paravirtualization without looking at your other article. A summary here would have been nice.MontagGG - Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - link
You should be able to run a virtual Win98 in Vista to play classic games. This does require the premium editions.murphyslabrat - Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - link
You seemed to have addressed the issue in the end, but my question is: as far as PC Gaming goes, is there any reason to use a virtual machine. If the answer is yes, then which approach is typically best, and what would be the recommendation for software.Denithor - Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - link
Read page 11 of the article.Yes, in certain cases. If you're running OS X or Linux you can run a virtual copy of XP which can then run a game not supported by your "true" operating system. However, it's going to add overhead, therefore reducing performance (game speaks to the virtual XP which has to speak to the real OS which talks to the hardware). Newer games probably won't work very well because they need as much hardware as they can get so the extra baggage will just weigh them down.