Virtual machine

Definitions

A software-based emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating system and applications as if it were a separate physical machine.

A virtualized computing environment that functions as a distinct computer system with its own virtual hardware, processor, memory, and storage.

Examples

I created a virtual machine on my laptop to test the new software in a secure environment.

Running a virtual machine allows you to use multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical computer.

Synonyms

VM Guest system Emulated computer Virtual environment Software-based machine

Antonyms

Physical machine Bare metal server Hardware host Physical computer Dedicated server