DEFINITION: A virtual machine (VM) is a software based, fictive computer. Virtual machines may be based on specifications of a hypothetical computer or emulate the computer architecture and functions of a real world pc.
“Virtual Machines” serve many purposes for home and business use in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Woodland Hills, and beyond. In the field of computer repair I recently set up a virtual machine for a client that required Windows XP operating system to run various older programs that were not compatible with his current operating system of Windows 7. In this situation, a virtual machine was the perfect solution to my client’s problem as he did not desire to do a complete upgrade of all software being used.
Windows 7 comes with a free version of Windows XP Virtual Machine. This can prove to be useful for many business and/or home users that are still running older programs. Virtual machines are also useful for a business that wants to test new software yet not interrupt their existing computers/programs. Virtual machines are also a good tool for surfing the internet and exploring sites that could potentially be dangerous due to viruses and malware. With most of the population using computers in today’s technologically advanced world, children are some of the biggest users of home computers. Children can also at times cause some of the biggest and yet most common problems in regards to computer repair. This occurs by visiting websites that are infected with viruses or when the inexperienced user tampers unknowingly with security settings. All these things can render a computer useless.
Users can also use virtual machines for downloading software that may not be “trusted” for testing purposes. This allows the user to ensure the programs being used do not have annoying software or malware which can dramatically slow down your computer. Virtual machines are also good for learning computer skills, changing operating system settings, or learning computer repair and networking.
Virtual machines can be extremely useful for businesses by allowing computer servers to have multiple operating systems/versions all on ONE machine. This serves as a space & cost saver. Although virtual machines are all on one device, they act independent of one another which means if one operating system crashes, the others are not effected. This alone gives virtual machines enormous value. That said, if the hardware or primary operating system crashes, everything crashes. If you live in Los Angeles or Ventura County areas: Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, Simi Valley, and surrounding areas, consider Mobile PC Medics for your computer repair.
