When computers are virtualised, virtual computers (=virtual machine, guest) are installed on a physical computer (=host). When virtualising PCs, a PC is therefore operated in the PC. The virtual machine is used in parallel to the host, the host system must be running for this. Depending on the hardware equipment of the physical PC, several virtual machines can also be installed and operated on it. The virtual machine simulates the complete hardware of the physical PC and uses it.
Target group
- Staff (UR, UKR)
- Students (UR)
Product recommendation
The computer centre recommends the use of VMware Player under Windows and Linux if you only want to run one virtual machine. If you would like to use several virtual machines, we recommend VMware Workstation. The product is sold as an annual licence and costs approx. 130 euros/year and licence. University employees can obtain the current prices from the software procurement department of the computer centre.
Alternatives
Alternatives include Oracle Virtual Box (free for private and non-commercial use and for educational institutions) for all operating systems as well as VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop for Mac (both subject to a charge).
It is also possible to implement desktop virtualisation under Windows using Microsoft Hyper-V (included in Windows 64bit Professional and Enterprise).