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Virtualization is a technique for creating a view of multiple computers or servers based on a real computer, dedicated server, or cluster. This device is called a host. It has a certain processor configuration, disk memory. Specialized software is implemented so that physical resources can run multiple virtual machines that are independent of each other.

In fact, virtualization is similar to the presence of multiple virtual machines on a single real device. The illusion itself is put into practice with the help of a hypervisor.

Description and characteristics of the concept of "hypervisor"

A hypervisor is a program that manages the physical resources of a computer and distributes those resources among a number of operating systems. The platform launches virtual devices at the same time. Simply put, the hypervisor forms multiple copies of a computer on one device, and each clone is recognized as a separate device. You may install a guest operating system on any device that is not related to "filling" a physical computer.

The hypervisor allows children to be independent of each other so that everyone can freely use the resources allocated to them. But at the same time, if necessary, the program provides an opportunity for machine systems to interact with each other. For example, they can be linked by sharing documents.

Virtual clones are quite mobile and can be transferred between remote servers. This is easier to do than regular applications installed on a physical computer.

Instead of a computer, the user receives several devices, each with its own software. Implementing each machine is not difficult, as it is a simple collection of files from the memory of a physical computer. When the host stops, all copies disappear because the hypervisor is no longer working.

Types of hypervisors

Hypervisors are divided into 2 types - first and second. There is also a hybrid that combines the qualities of two types. The first works directly with the server and the client operating system is superimposed over the program. These hypervisors may provide server management capabilities for some users. Most organizations use this particular type of program.

The second type of hypervisor is called hosted. They work with the operating system on the server. And operating systems for new users are superimposed over the hypervisor. Examples of programs: first type - KVM, second type - VMware Workstation desktop hypervisors, Oracle VirtualBox.

The best hypervisors

Studying the software for virtualizing VPS servers, namely their functionality, the options will allow the end user to decide on the choice of hypervisor. Virtual hosting offers different prices for services.

VMware vSphere

It is recommended that you use the trial version before purchasing VMware vSphere. The free period is 60 days. The user must then purchase a licensed version or continue working with the demo program, turning a blind eye to its limited capabilities.

Despite the fact that the free version has no limits for physical hardware in terms of memory and processors, there are other unpleasant moments:

The program cannot be used with Veeam to create backups;
The virtual device cannot contain more than 8 cores;
Unable to connect to vCenter Server;
Read-only API.

The program supports many operating systems, including Linux, macOS, Windows, FreeBSD.

To install the product on the server, you need to load the distribution from a disk, a flashcard. Tools are available that can automate startup processes, network options, and server connections.

The program has integrated integration with Microsoft Active Directory. This means recognizing customers in the private and hybrid cloud using the Microsoft domain. By sharing resources evenly, you can resize your hard drive without restarting your computer.

A distinctive feature of the hypervisor is its hardware requirements. Before installing the program, you will need to check if the hardware is compatible with the desired ESXi edition.

Hyper-V

Created in 2008. Helps create or supplement cloud storage. The program promotes the efficient use of the machine, improves the quality of business processes and the success of a development.

The Hyper-V hypervisor has the following features:

The program cannot be used with Veeam to create backups;
The virtual device cannot contain more than 8 cores;
Unable to connect to vCenter Server;
Read-only API.

The program supports many operating systems, including Linux, macOS, Windows, FreeBSD.

To install the product on the server, you need to load the distribution from a disk, a flashcard. Tools are available that can automate startup processes, network options, and server connections.

A distinctive feature of the hypervisor is its hardware requirements. Before installing the program, you will need to check if the hardware is compatible with the desired ESXi edition.

Xen

Xen was developed in 2003 at Cambridge. In 2007, a version of Citrix was released. The hypervisor supports hardware virtualization and paravirtualization. Supplied with the least amount of code, as most components are located outside the hypervisor. The program is completely open-source, so it can be improved countless times. The product is of the hybrid type.

KVM

KVM is universal software for virtualization infrastructure. The program makes the Linux kernel. KVM hypervisor options:

ability to change the scale;
problem recovery;
container support;
KVM-based Proxmox virtualization system;
Reduced cost;
assigning the functionality of virtual technology to any device.

To use the product, you need to download it and add the Libvirt virtualization library. Moreover, the detailed configuration of the virtualization environment takes place. Based on the operating system on the physical hardware, they configure a bridge or connect to the VNC console, through which the virtual machines will work with the host.

The administration of the program is complicated because there is no visible access to documents, consoles, processes. The user must make the settings himself. Redirecting VM parameters to KVM is inconvenient and involves additional measures in the form of restarting the operating system.

The project lacks convenient graphical tools for managing virtual equipment. Only the Virsh platform has been implemented. She performs the necessary tasks. For convenient child management, we recommend that you download the Virt-Manager package further.

The program does not have built-in tools similar to Fault Tolerate for VMware. You can create a high-availability cluster using DRDB network replication. We recommend using a VPN to make your connection more secure.

You also need to install the Heartbeat software to create a shared availability cluster. Can be used to exchange service messages about the status of nodes. He also needs a pacemaker.

The undeniable advantage of this hypervisor is that it can run on any server. It is not resourced intensive, so it can be used for testing without any problems.

ATTENTION: This program does not have support service. If difficulties arise, you should be prepared to contact the forums.

VMware

VMware technology is used by large organizations and companies in the industry. The hypervisor belongs to the first type, so the software must be carefully selected. The manual contains a list of supported hardware with which the program runs flawlessly.

Recommendations: which hypervisor to choose in 2021

When buying a hypervisor, you need to follow a number of recommendations. The main purpose of programs of any kind is the following:

simulates computer hardware resources;
Excludes tasks from guest operating systems in supervisor mode on a real computer;
Safe and secure execution of host instructions.

We recommend that you contact specialist specialists. These will help you choose your preferred virtualization technology. Wizards will focus on the physical capabilities of the computer, its software, the cost of the software, the availability of technical support, and a number of other factors. For example, if you want to use VMware ESXi and a number of other programs, you'll need to pay for the licensed version and purchase a high-quality computer to install the virtualization system.

Before you start working with hypervisors, you should read the recommendations:

Study in detail the information available on the virtualization software manufacturer's portal;
Check in advance if the physical machine meets the minimum hypervisor requirements;
Explores other qualities of the selected software so that, in reality, everything does not fail.

Oracle VirtualBox is the recommended choice when exploring workstation virtualization technologies. The software facilitates testing of major operating systems, eliminates strict host requirements, and does not overload physical hardware.

Comparison of hypervisors and containers

To replace hypervisors, they have started using container technology. With it, the user can host multiple applications on the computer.

Virtual hardware involves a large amount of RAM and a powerful processor. copies the entire operating system and hardware in its entirety. For the container to work stably, an operating system, which is installed in a physical environment and is compatible with software and libraries, is sufficient.

But the benefits of containers do not imply the preemption of hypervisors. Organizations will use a combination of two technologies. It is worth remembering that containers are quite dangerous because if the operating system is hacked by hackers, all information will be lost. This is impossible with virtual machines.

Popular containers include the OpenVZ model based on the Virtuozzo platform. The products are characterized by a high level of performance, making the most of the capabilities of the physical machine due to the high density of virtual host copies.

It is recommended that we take a closer look at the Jailhouse model. The launch is done through the Linux operating system. During operation, the development forms independent sections in the operating system for the operation of user applications.

Summarizing

There is no specific answer to the question of which hypervisor should be chosen. The purchase of products depends on a number of factors. First, it depends on whether the physical computer supports virtualization technology. The hardware system facilitates the direct interaction of the operating system with the host resources. The number of options depends on the selected hypervisor software. Some programs involve hardware virtualization, while others are installed only on x65 platforms. Many hypervisors have restrictions on the types of guest operating systems. For example, Hyper-V runs on a limited Linux list. If the user intends to use the virtual Linux operating system, then it is recommended to select XenServer, KVM.

Which hypervisor to choose in 2021