In computing, virtualization means to create a
virtual version of a
device or
resource, such as a
server,
storage device,
network or even an
operating
system where the framework divides the resource into one or more
execution
environments. Even something as simple as partitioning a hard drive is
considered virtualization because you take one drive and
partition it to create
two separate hard drives. Devices, applications and human users are able to
interact with the virtual resource as if it were a real single
logical resource. The term virtualization has become somewhat of a
buzzword,
and as a result the term is now associated with a number of computing
technologies including the following:
See also virtual.
Contrast with physical.
Compare virtualization with emulation.
