Thu, 28 Mar, 2024

Virtualization Using VMware Workstation

By Asmita Subedi

Virtualization, in computing, refers to the act of creating a virtual version of computer which requires the division of resources, such as, a server, CPU, memory, network resources or storage device.It refers to the technology for managing the computer resources by providing a software translation layer, known as “abstraction layer”, between computer hardware systems and the software running on them. Virtualization divides the “physical” resources into “logical” segments. Virtualization is used in different ways. A single computer’s resources (CPU, memory, hard disk, network resources) can be partitioned into separate and isolated "virtual machines" that can generate, and not just simulate, multiple machines within one physical computer. This is basically known as hardware virtualization. It enables multiple copies of the same or different operating systems to run on the same physical machine and also prevents applications from interfering with each other. Application virtualization separates the application conformation layer from the operating system and enables the application programs to run on the existing OS without actually being installed on them. In a network, multiple devices are virtually consolidated into logical segmentation and are managed from a single console, called network virtualization. Also, multiple storage devices of any type and from any location can be accessed in the same way which is known as storage virtualization. There are several other ways of virtualization like server virtualization, software virtualization, data virtualization, etc. Virtualization is a key technology used in probably almost every field like data-centers, IT management, production house, etc.  It is useful in optimizing different hardware and software resources to obtain high productivity from fewer servers. It speeds up and simplifies IT management and deploys new applications and saves overall IT costs. Virtualization can be used for different purposes like partitioning, isolation and encapsulation. As IT needs continue to evolve, virtualization can no longer be isolated even to solve a single problem. Virtualization takes productivity to the next level. Virtualization Different virtualization software can be used to virtualize desktop and laptop computers. At first, virtualization software should be installed in the physical system. After creating a virtual layer using virtualization software, one can run multiple applications on multiple operating systems at the same time and switch between one OS to another. Multiple computers running web servers, database servers, etc. can be consolidated onto a single machine. New operating systems and applications can be tested and evaluated in an isolated environment. Its most important feature is that a virtual machine can be kept and run on the cloud and can be accessed from any devices having virtualization software anytime and from anywhere. Most demanding applications that don’t run on a physical machine can be encapsulated from the underlying virtual operating system and executed. Workstations can also run as a server and can share virtual machines within the network. On 10th July 2014, students of the batch of 2017 attended an hour and a half long workshop on virtualization using VMware Workstation software by the Associate Director of R&D at DWIT, Alok Koirala. Prior to Joining DWIT, Alok Koirala worked as a Member of Technical Staff at VMware Inc, Bangalore R&D for about 7 years, primarily on Data-center Virtualization and Cloud Computing. Considering Student’s interest to learn about virtualization, he organized this workshop. Workshop All the students tried running various operating systems like Windows XP and Red Hat Linux OS simultaneously using VMware Workstation on their laptops. Apart from various features, students valued features like snapshots and clones which they can bring into use. They were also able to understand the benefits of virtualization and virtualization jargons. The students were amazed and excited to see and learn about the cool features. One of the students said, “We are lucky to have an experienced tech mentor like Alok Koirala. Things that we learned today were really interesting and informative. Hope we get to learn and explore more of its features in the coming days.” Considering the enthusiasm and appreciation from students, DWIT looks forward to organizing more Virtualization and Cloud Computing workshops for the students.