What is software Virtualization?

Virtualization - The Complete Cornerstone Guide to Virtualization Best Practices: ... and how to manage migrating to a virtualized computing environment.

Software virtualization is the virtualization of applications or computer programs. One of the most widely used software virtualization programs is SVS (Software Virtualization Solution), developed by Altiris.

The concept is similar to hardware virtualization where physical machines are simulated as virtual machines. Software virtualization involves creating a virtual layer or virtual hard drive space where applications can be installed. From this virtual space, applications can then be run as though they have been installed onto host OS.

Once a user has finished using an application, they can 'switch it off'. When an application is switched off, any changes that the application made to the host OS, will be completely reversed. This means that registry entries and installation directories will have no trace of the application being installed or executed at all.

Software virtualization offers many benefits. Some of these benefits include:

• The ability to run applications without making permanent registry or library changes
• The ability to run multiple versions of the same application
• The ability to install applications that would otherwise conflict with each other (by using multiple virtual layers)
• The ability to test new applications in an isolated environment.

Software virtualization provides many benefits and is easy to implement.

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