KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) Virtualization Software allows one computer to run multiple operating systems simultaneously, leveraging hardware virtualization extensions like Intel VT-x and AMD-V for near-native performance.
KVM is tightly integrated into the Linux kernel and relies on QEMU for device emulation and VM lifecycle management in user space.
Key features of KVM include being open-source, high performance, secure, supporting live migration and snapshots, and scalability across different deployment sizes.
Advantages of KVM include being open source, offering strong performance, excellent security features, scalability, and support for full virtualization.
Use cases of KVM include cloud computing, development and testing, server consolidation, and disaster recovery due to its versatility.
Setting up KVM on Ubuntu involves checking for virtualization support, installing required packages, adding users to libvirt group, and launching the GUI with virt-manager.
Advanced KVM management tools like Libvirt, oVirt, OpenStack, and Cockpit provide enhanced control and administration options for virtualization environments.
KVM is compared to other virtualization technologies like VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Xen, highlighting differences in licensing, host OS, guest OS support, live migration, and cost.
KVM stands strong against industry leaders with its integration, performance, and cost-effectiveness, offering a mature and high-performance virtualization solution.
KVM virtualization software, built into the Linux kernel, supports various guest OSes, scales well, and integrates seamlessly with cloud platforms, catering to diverse user needs from hobbyists to enterprises.
KVM's open-source nature, performance, security, scalability, and flexibility make it a preferred choice for many users in production environments and enterprise settings.