A Complete Guide to Hypervisors
A Hypervisor, also known as a Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM), is a layer of software, firmware, or hardware that hosts and manages virtual machines. It esteems highly because it's responsible for creating and managing virtual environments in virtualization and cloud computing.
There are two types of hypervisors, Type 1 (native/bare-metal) and Type 2 (hosted). Type 1 hypervisors run directly on the system hardware, and Type 2 hypervisors run on an operating system, just like other computer programs.
Hypervisors create a virtual platform for the guest operating system, allocating resources as needed. They facilitate the creation of multiple distinct environments on a single physical machine, isolating these environments from one another, which boost efficiency and optimizes resource use.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Hypervisors
- Understand the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors - Be able to identify real-world examples of each type of hypervisor - Know how a hypervisor works, including its role in managing system resources - Underline the importance of hypervisors in virtualization and cloud computing.
Questions may ask for details about how different virtual machines can run on a single system or may involve comparing/contrasting Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors. Your answers should emphasize efficiency, resource optimization, and the ability to manage multiple environments.