Type 2 hypervisor

Definition

A type 2 hypervisor, also known as a hosted hypervisor, is a virtualization layer that runs on top of an existing operating system, allowing multiple virtual machines to be created and managed. This setup means that the hypervisor relies on the host OS for resource management and device drivers, which can simplify deployment and make it easier to use for desktop or non-server environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Type 2 hypervisors are typically easier to install and use since they operate within an existing operating system environment, making them user-friendly for individual users.
2. Performance of type 2 hypervisors may be lower than that of type 1 hypervisors because they depend on the host OS for managing resources.
3. Common examples of type 2 hypervisors include VMware Workstation, Oracle VirtualBox, and Parallels Desktop.
4. Type 2 hypervisors are often used in development and testing environments where ease of use and flexibility are more important than performance.
5. Since type 2 hypervisors operate on top of a host OS, they inherit any vulnerabilities from that OS, which can affect the overall security of the virtual machines.

Review Questions

• How does the architecture of a type 2 hypervisor differ from that of a type 1 hypervisor, and what implications does this have for performance?
  • The main difference between a type 2 hypervisor and a type 1 hypervisor is that a type 2 hypervisor runs on top of an existing operating system, whereas a type 1 hypervisor runs directly on hardware. This architecture affects performance because type 2 hypervisors rely on the host OS for resource management, which can introduce overhead and reduce efficiency compared to type 1 hypervisors that have direct access to hardware resources.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a type 2 hypervisor in a desktop environment compared to using a type 1 hypervisor.
  • Using a type 2 hypervisor in a desktop environment offers advantages such as easier installation and greater compatibility with existing applications due to its reliance on the host OS. However, disadvantages include potential performance limitations and security risks stemming from inherited vulnerabilities of the host OS. In contrast, a type 1 hypervisor generally provides better performance and security but requires more complex setup and management, making it less ideal for casual users.
• Evaluate the role of type 2 hypervisors in the context of modern software development and testing practices.
  • Type 2 hypervisors play a critical role in modern software development and testing by enabling developers to create isolated environments where they can test applications without affecting their primary operating system. This flexibility allows for quick iteration and testing across different configurations and OS versions. Additionally, because they are easier to set up than type 1 hypervisors, they are often favored in agile development workflows where speed and adaptability are essential. The trade-off in performance is generally acceptable in these scenarios where developer efficiency is prioritized over raw computational power.

Related terms

Type 1 Hypervisor: A type 1 hypervisor, or bare-metal hypervisor, runs directly on the hardware without a host operating system, providing better performance and efficiency for server virtualization.

Virtual Machine (VM): A virtual machine is a software-based emulation of a physical computer, allowing an operating system and applications to run in a sandboxed environment separate from the host system.

Virtualization: Virtualization is the process of creating virtual instances of resources, such as servers or operating systems, to optimize resource utilization and improve flexibility.