Virtual
In the context of computing and technology, "virtual" refers to something that exists in a simulated or emulated environment rather than physically. It is often used to describe software or hardware that operates in a simulated or abstracted manner, providing the same functionality or experience as if it were physically present.
Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual environment that behaves like a physical computer or server. This allows multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical machine, each with its own operating system, applications, and resources.
Examples of Virtual:
- Virtual machines (VMs): Software programs that simulate physical computers, allowing multiple isolated environments to run on a single physical host.
- Virtual networks: Emulation of physical networks, providing connectivity and networking capabilities within virtualized environments.
- Virtual storage: Abstract layer that simplifies storage management and provides on-demand allocation of storage resources.
- Virtual reality (VR): Immersive technology that creates a simulated, 3D environment that users can interact with.
- Virtual assistants: Artificial intelligence-powered software programs that can perform tasks and answer questions through voice or text commands.
- Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI): Technology that provides users with remote access to hosted desktops, typically delivered over a network.