What is the Purpose of a Virtual Machine?

A virtual machine is a software program that works like a real computer. It lets you run different operating systems or apps on the same device without them affecting each other. This is helpful for testing, building software, staying secure, and making better use of system resources.

• Run Multiple Operating Systems

With a VM, you can run different operating systems, like Windows, Linux, or macOS, on the same device. This is useful when you need to test how software behaves across different platforms without needing separate hardware.

• Safe Testing and Development

Virtual machines offer a controlled, isolated environment for software testing and development. If something goes wrong, like a system crash or a bug, it stays contained within the VM and doesn’t affect your main system.

Example: Platforms like LambdaTest use virtual machines to help teams to test websites and applications across a wide range of browser and operating system combinations, without the need for physical devices.

• Better Use of System Resources

Instead of running several physical machines, one server can run multiple VMs. This helps save costs on hardware, energy, and space—especially in data centers or enterprise environments.

• Backup and Disaster Recovery

Virtual machines can be easily backed up, restored, or cloned. If a system fails, you can quickly spin up a backup VM and resume work, making disaster recovery faster and more reliable.

• Cloud Computing and Scalability

Most cloud services are powered by virtual machines. VMs allow users to access scalable computing power on demand, without needing to invest in physical servers. This is a key part of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

• Run Legacy or Incompatible Software

Some programs only work on older versions of an operating system. VMs let you run those programs by mimicking the right setup, no need to change your current system.