Description: A type 2 hypervisor is virtualization software that runs on top of a host operating system, allowing the creation and management of virtual machines (VMs) in a computing environment. Unlike a type 1 hypervisor, which runs directly on hardware, a type 2 hypervisor relies on an underlying operating system to access hardware resources. This means that VMs run as applications within the host operating system, which can simplify installation and usage, especially in development and testing environments. Type 2 hypervisors are popular in various computing environments and for users needing to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. Examples of type 2 hypervisors include VMware Workstation, Oracle VirtualBox, and Parallels Desktop. These hypervisors allow users to run different operating systems simultaneously, which is useful for software testing, development, and training. Additionally, they offer features such as virtual machine snapshots, cloning, and live migration, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in managing computing resources.
History: Type 2 hypervisors began to gain popularity in the 1990s with the development of virtualization software for desktop environments. VMware was one of the pioneers in this field, launching VMware Workstation in 1999, which allowed users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. As virtualization became more common, other vendors like Oracle and Parallels also developed their own type 2 hypervisor solutions, expanding the options available to users.
Uses: Type 2 hypervisors are primarily used in development and testing environments, where developers need to run different operating systems to test applications across multiple platforms. They are also useful in educational settings, where students can learn about different operating systems without the need for additional hardware. Additionally, they are used by IT professionals for demonstrations and training, as well as to run software that is only available on certain operating systems.
Examples: Examples of type 2 hypervisors include VMware Workstation, which allows users to run multiple operating systems on their personal computers, and Oracle VirtualBox, which is a widely used open-source option for virtualization in desktop environments. Another example is Parallels Desktop, which is popular among users who want to run various operating system applications on their hardware.
