Virtual Machines (VMs) are software-based emulations of physical computers that run o n a host system, allowing for the creation and management of multiple isolated environments on a single physical server. Each VM operates with its own operating system, applications, and resources, as if it were an independent physical machine.

This virtualization technology enables efficient use of hardware resources by maximizing the utilization of a single physical server, reducing costs, and providing flexibility in deployment and management. VMs are particularly useful for testing and development, running different operating systems on the same hardware, and improving scalability and disaster recovery capabilities. With features such as snapshotting and cloning, VMs facilitate easier backups and replication, enhancing overall system reliability and resilience.