3.3. Virtualization and Cloud Computing

💡 First Principle: Virtualization abstracts computing resources from physical hardware, enabling the efficiency, flexibility, and on-demand scalability that are the hallmarks of cloud computing.

Scenario: A software development team needs to test their application on multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS) without buying separate physical machines for each. You propose using a Type 2 hypervisor like VirtualBox on a single powerful host to create multiple, isolated virtual machines.

Virtualization and cloud computing have transformed the IT landscape. A+ technicians need to understand the basic concepts.

⚠️ Common Pitfall: Confusing virtualization with cloud computing. Virtualization is a technology that makes cloud computing possible, but cloud computing is a service model that includes on-demand access, self-service, and broad network access.

Key Trade-Offs:

• On-Premises (Private Cloud) vs. Public Cloud: A private cloud offers more control and security but requires significant capital investment and operational overhead. A public cloud offers massive scalability and a pay-as-you-go model but with less direct control over the underlying infrastructure.

Reflection Question: How does virtualization fundamentally change the relationship between software (the operating system) and hardware?