The word “hypervisor” sounds complicated, but the principle is surprisingly simple and useful. It lets a single physical computer run several separate computers at once, isolated from each other. Let us explain it in plain words and say when it makes sense even for an ordinary person.

What a hypervisor is

A hypervisor is software that can turn one physical computer into several virtual computers (virtual machines, VMs for short). Each virtual computer behaves like a separate machine with its own operating system, even though they actually share one piece of hardware. The hypervisor divides performance, memory and storage between them and makes sure they do not get in each other’s way.

Think of it like an apartment building: one building (the physical computer), but inside several separate apartments (virtual computers), each with its own resident (operating system), who do not mix with one another.

Two types of hypervisor

  • Type 1 (bare-metal) runs directly on the hardware, with no ordinary operating system underneath. It is powerful and used on servers. This includes for example Proxmox, VMware ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V.
  • Type 2 (hosted) runs as a program inside your normal system (Windows, macOS, Linux). It is simpler and ideal for trying things out. This includes for example VirtualBox or VMware Workstation.

Where it is used

Virtualization is the foundation of modern IT infrastructure today:

  • Servers and companies: one powerful server runs several virtual servers (web, email, database), which saves hardware and energy.
  • Cloud: when you rent a “server” from a provider, it is almost always a virtual computer on shared hardware.
  • A home server and homelab: enthusiasts run several services on one machine at once. This is related to a home server and NAS.

What sense it makes for an ordinary person

Even at home, virtualization comes in handy more than you would expect:

  • Try another operating system without risk. Want to take a look at Linux? You run it as a virtual computer in a window, without touching Windows.
  • Run an old program that no longer works on a new system, inside a virtual old system.
  • Safe testing. You try a suspicious program or setting in a virtual computer, and if it breaks something, you simply delete it. Your main system stays untouched.
  • Separation. You can keep work and personal life in two separate virtual environments.

When you do not need it

To be fair: if you only browse, write and watch videos on the computer, you do not need a hypervisor. It is a tool for specific situations, not something everyone must have. But when those situations arise, it is a surprisingly elegant solution.

What you need for it

For virtual computers to run smoothly, enough memory and a fast SSD come in handy. For a single virtual computer to try things out, an ordinary computer is enough; for several at once you need a more powerful machine.

Interested in virtualization, or dealing with a server for your company? Get in touch, we will gladly advise and design a tailored solution. We handle virtualization and server infrastructure as part of IT management for companies.