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What is a Hypervisor?
A hypervisor is a software, firmware, or hardware layer that enables multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical computer by managing and allocating system resources such as CPU, memory, and storage.
Definition
A hypervisor is a virtualization technology that creates and manages virtual machines on a host system.
Key Takeaways
- Enables server virtualization and cloud computing.
- Allows multiple operating systems to run on one machine.
- Improves hardware utilization and scalability.
Understanding Hypervisors
Hypervisors sit between physical hardware and operating systems, abstracting resources so each virtual machine operates as if it has dedicated hardware. This isolation improves efficiency, flexibility, and security.
There are two primary categories. Type 1 (bare-metal) hypervisors run directly on hardware and are common in data centers. Type 2 (hosted) hypervisors run on top of a host operating system and are often used for development and testing.
Hypervisors are foundational to cloud platforms, enabling rapid provisioning, disaster recovery, and workload portability.
Real-World Example
A cloud provider uses a Type 1 hypervisor to host hundreds of customer virtual machines on shared physical servers, dynamically allocating resources based on demand.
Importance in Business or Economics
Hypervisors matter because they:
- Reduce infrastructure costs through consolidation
- Enable cloud computing and elastic scaling
- Improve disaster recovery and system resilience
- Support rapid deployment of IT environments
Types or Variations
- Type 1 (Bare-Metal) Hypervisor — Runs directly on hardware
- Type 2 (Hosted) Hypervisor — Runs on a host OS
- Micro-Hypervisor — Lightweight, security-focused designs
Related Terms
- Virtual Machine (VM)
- Cloud Computing
- Virtualization
Sources and Further Reading
Quick Reference
- Core virtualization layer
- Manages VMs and resources
- Essential for cloud infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a hypervisor the same as an operating system?
No, it manages virtual machines and sits below or alongside operating systems.
Which type is used in data centers?
Type 1 (bare-metal) hypervisors.
Do containers need hypervisors?
Not always, containers share the host OS, though they can run on VMs.
