What is Virtualization?

Precisely speaking, virtualization is very broad concept. In basic terms, it is creating a virtual (meaning real only in the computer or some other system and otherwise intangible) version (or in many cases, a copy) of a real object or concept.

A good example of virtualization would be the typical scanner device. When one uses a scanner, they place a document or other object on the panel, then, using the scanner’s unique function, create an image data copy of the document or object in the computer the scanner is attached to. That image data is virtual, meaning that the document has been virtualized.

Virtualization can and is very often used in a variety of different ways, some of these methods being more obscure than others, such as hardware virtualization, which involves a virtual machine being simulated on a real machine. A more common method that most people are familiar with is storage, which the earlier mentioned scanner could be part of an example of, is storage. Objects and data are stored in virtual space for later access in a variety of different situations. There are many devices that were created solely with this purpose in mind like flash drives, mp3 players, etc.

As a member of today’s technology, computer, and data reliant society, it is essential that one be at least somewhat familiar with virtualization concepts in order to function among the average populace. Many modern careers make heavy use of modern virtualization concepts and technology, so the importance of its versatile nature must be stressed.

To conclude, virtualization is the act of creating a virtual (or data) copy/version of a something. As data and virtual objects play a very big role in many modern day settings, both professional and non, one must be sure to understand its concepts.