Client-side virtualization is the practice of running virtual machines (VMs) directly on a user’s local device, such as a desktop or laptop, instead of relying on remote servers.

This is made possible through the use of hypervisor software, such as Type 2 hypervisors (hosted), which run on top of a host operating system.

Common examples include VMware Workstation, Oracle VirtualBox, and Microsoft Hyper-V (in client mode).

These virtual machines emulate complete hardware environments, allowing users to run multiple operating systems, each isolated from the host system.

This enables users to test software, simulate networks, or create sandboxed environments for development and security testing without affecting the main system.

Client-side virtualization is especially useful for IT professionals, software developers, and cybersecurity practitioners who need to run multiple environments simultaneously.

Virtual machines can be configured with their own virtual CPUs, RAM, storage, and network adapters, allowing them to behave like standalone computers. This method is also used in training labs, malware analysis, and legacy application support.

Compared to server-side virtualization, client-side virtualization is limited by the physical hardware resources of the local machine, meaning the more RAM, CPU cores, and storage available, the more effective and responsive the virtualized environments will be.

Server-side virtualization, on the other hand, is implemented on dedicated servers, allowing multiple users to access virtualized environments over a network.

Server-side systems are more scalable and typically used in enterprise environments to centralize resources and manage virtual machines for larger groups.

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