Unit 2 · Virtualization

From now on, almost every practice in this module will happen inside a virtual machine. This unit shows you what a virtual machine is, how to create and configure one, and how to use it safely, so that you can experiment without breaking the real computer.

What you will learn

• Explain the difference between a real machine and a virtual machine, and between host and guest.
• List the advantages and disadvantages of virtualization and decide when it is a good idea.
• Distinguish Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors, give examples of each and explain how VT-x and AMD-V help.
• Install virtualization software (free and proprietary) and create virtual machines from free and proprietary operating systems.
• Configure a virtual machine: CPU, memory, disk, firmware and network mode.
• Deploy a virtual appliance from an OVA file and understand the OVF and OVA formats.
• Use snapshots as a safety net, and know why they are not a backup.
• Install Guest Additions and use the shared clipboard and shared folders.
• Measure CPU, memory and disk performance on the host and in the guest, and explain the difference.

The unit at a glance

Term	Hours	Weight in the assessment	Learning outcome
1st	12 h	10 %	RA5: creates virtual machines, identifying their field of application and installing specific software (criteria a-g)

Map of the unit

1. What is virtualization?: host and guest, physical against virtual, advantages, disadvantages and real scenarios.
2. Hypervisors: Type 1 and Type 2, real products, and hardware help with VT-x and AMD-V.
3. Your first virtual machine: install VirtualBox, create a VM, virtual disks and network modes.
4. Appliances, OVA, snapshots and Guest Additions: import a ready-made VM, take snapshots, share the clipboard and folders.
5. Performance: host vs guest: how to measure CPU, memory and disk and compare the results.
6. Activities: seven practical activities.

Labs

One lab with seven concept tabs and a practice tab with instant feedback: consolidate servers, build hypervisor stacks, see what VT-x changes, size a VM, run a virtual “New VM” wizard and compare the network modes.

LaboratorioVirtualization PlaygroundConsolidate servers, build Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisor stacks, see what VT-x changes, size virtual machines, run a New VM wizard and compare the VirtualBox network modes.virtualizationvirtual machinehypervisorVirtualBoxVT-xnetwork modesNATAbrir laboratorio →