A virtual machine (or virtual computer) is an emulation of a physical computer. That’s to say it doesn’t have any physical hardware.
A real computer, such as the one you’re probably using right now, consists of the computer hardware (motherboard, CPU, RAM etc) and an operating system, such as Windows, installed on to it.
Virtual machines (VMs) run on software that emulates the computer hardware.
What Are Virtual Machines In Simple Terms?
So you’re sitting at your computer browsing the internet. To do that, you’ll be using a type of program called a web browser (Chrome or Edge etc).
The browser is running on the operating system of your PC. It could be Windows 11, Windows 10, Linux, Mac OS etc. It doesn’t matter which OS, the point is that the browser is running on it.
And depending on what you wanted to do, there are many, many programs. There’re programs for video editing, media players, word processors etc. The list goes on and on.
For virtual machines, there are a few programs called hypervisors. The two most commonly used hypervisors for home computing are called VirtualBox and VMware Workstation.
Virtual Box and Workstation can be downloaded and installed onto your PC just like any other program. But once they’re installed, they allow you to create virtual machines.
Just like any other program, hypervisors use your computers resources, CPU, RAM, hard disk etc.
The difference is that the hypervisor uses those resources to create a brand new computer, a virtual computer.
On to which you can install just about any operating system you want.
Are Virtual Machines As Good As Physical PCs?
A virtual machine behaves exactly the same way as your physical (real) computer.
You can install programs on to it. If those programs are on discs, or USB drives, then you can connect those to the VM.
The virtual computer has internet access so you can download and install anything you want to and use it to browse the ‘net.
In fact, if you put the VM into full screen mode, you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between the virtual computer and the physical computer.
So much so that I normally change the background image so that I can tell the difference.
What Are Virtual Machines Used For?
That’s the question I get asked more often than any other by clients who have never tried using a virtual machine. The short answer is usually for testing. Trying things out.
Below are a few examples of what you might use a VM for on your home computer.
Testing New Operating Systems
A VM is perfect for trying out different operating systems without having to compromise your real computer.
For example – If your computer runs Windows 10 and you wanted to try out Windows 11, but didn’t want to just jump straight in and upgrade or install it onto your current computer. You could install Windows 11 as a virtual machine.
Once installed, you can try it. See what all the fuss is about. Is it better than Windows 10? Do your programs work properly with Windows 11? Do you like it?
Test Software On Your VM
Want to try out a new program or app but you’re not sure you can trust it? Install the program on to a virtual machine.
Find out if it does what you want it to do. Is it easy to use? Is it malware in disguise? Does it work with the operating system you intend to use it with?
Installing untrusted programs and apps on to a virtual machine is perfectly safe to do because whatever happens, it can’t affect your physical computer.
Run Older Operating Systems
Do you have old software that just won’t run on your modern version of Windows? Many of us have programs that were originally developed for Windows XP or Windows 7.
The good news is that older operating systems can be setup as VMs. For example a client of mine had one of those card game compendium CDs that were popular at one time. Would it install on her shiny new Windows 11 laptop? Obviously not.
It was intended for Windows XP, so that’s the virtual machine I setup for her. Now in just a few clicks, she’s playing. Brilliant.
Use A Virtual Machine To Visit Untrusted Websites
Another great use for virtual machines. Visiting dodgy websites. If you really aren’t sure that the site is legit, don’t go poking around it using your real computer.
Fire up the virtual machine and then go exploring. If the VM does get infected, no worries, you can just delete it and start again.
The important point here is that any malware or virus infection can’t escape the confines of the virtual machine. All your real files are safe.
Can Anyone Setup A VM?
The short answer is yes. Installing the software (the hypervisor) to run a virtual machine is just as easy as installing any other software.
Then it’s really just a matter of installing your chosen operating system.
The hypervisor (VirtualBox or Workstation) does all all the heavy lifting for you.
And both programs are free to use on home computers.
Summary.
Virtual machines really aren’t difficult or complicated. On your home computer, I think they add another layer of security because you use the VM as a type of sacrificial lamb. Rather than risk your main computer when making risky changes, try it out first on a VM.
Virtual Computer Guides
Windows Sandbox
If you have a Pro version of Windows, you can try out the Windows Sandbox VM. Quick and easy to setup.
How To Install Windows 11 As A Virtual Machine In Workstation Pro.
A fully fledged virtual computer. More to it than the Sandbox, but well worth the effort, and this guide makes it easy.
How To Install Windows 10 Virtual Machine In Workstation Pro.
Maybe you’d prefer Windows 10.
