{"id":27248,"date":"2020-12-22T00:56:32","date_gmt":"2020-12-22T08:56:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=27248"},"modified":"2020-12-22T11:26:50","modified_gmt":"2020-12-22T19:26:50","slug":"virtualization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/virtualization\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Learn Virtualization to Increase Efficiency"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There have probably been plenty of times where you have needed to remotely access files from your computer without downloading a different operating system. Maybe you want your employees to collaborate in a streamlined, virtual work environment from anywhere in the world. Or perhaps you just want to play around with a different operating system.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtualization will come in handy in all of these cases, giving you the means to make a remotely accessible work environment. But what is virtualization? How can you integrate it into your daily routine?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Virtualization?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Virtualization creates a layer over your computer hardware that copies one or more elements of the hardware to make a virtual machine. A virtual machine<\/a>, or VM, is a digital recreation of a computer. It allows you to access a central server<\/a>\u2019s files or run different programs in a separate environment.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These VMs are run by a hypervisor<\/a>, which is a software, hardware, or firmware solution that hosts one or more machines. Generally, a hypervisor runs on a computer called a host machine, which carries VMs that are referred to as guest machines. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VMs differ from remotely accessed physical desktops because they are always \u201con\u201d since they are located on a server. If you are trying to remotely access a physical desktop, the computer in question must be turned on at its physical location. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amid the pandemic, when so many people are transitioning to working from home, there\u2019s a huge demand<\/a> for people with virtualization skills. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major companies like Twitter, Facebook, and Nationwide Insurance have already committed to some measure of permanent work from home<\/a> for their employees. These companies will need people who can create and maintain the necessary infrastructure to keep workflow running smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Virtualization Used For?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Virtualization allows companies to improve their computing abilities quickly and affordably. Virtualization can be used to test new operating systems and applications in a safe environment without compromising the functions of the original computer system.  
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtualization software is used to create several virtual copies of the same machine, which can streamline workflow. The process is also a key component of cloud computing<\/a> as companies sell space on their physical servers that can be used to host virtual computers instead.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of cloud computing, companies then offer customers the ability to improve production and borrow power. The customers don\u2019t need to purchase their own expensive servers or other physical resources.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we\u2019ll review some of the most common types of virtualization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Virtualization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Though there are many uses for this process, these are the types of virtualization you\u2019re most likely to encounter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Desktop Virtualization<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Desktop virtualization is where a host machine runs one or more guest machines, sometimes with multiple operating systems. It is the most common type of virtualization.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local desktop virtualization is where a single computer runs a hypervisor that allows it to run one or more operating systems. You can use the VM to run more than one OS without changing anything about your machine.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In virtual desktop infrastructure, a central server runs more than one desktop via VMs that users can log in to from other devices. This also allows the users to take advantage of the server\u2019s power and the VM environment, even if their actual machine is much weaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Network Virtualization<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Network virtualization creates a visualization of a network that administrators can manage from a single console and its hypervisor. If you were to become a network administrator<\/a>, you would be implementing this method often.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every hardware element of a network, like switches and consoles, are transferred into a visual software representation that administrators can easily manipulate. This saves businesses quite a bit of time and effort in maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Storage Virtualization<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Storage virtualization combines all storage devices in a network into a single device that can be accessed by anyone who has permission. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The storage is set up in blocks that can be added or removed from VMs at will, allowing for easy management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Forms of Virtualization<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Data virtualization allows an application to access all data within an interconnected system. Application virtualization enables an app to launch a self-contained mini-version of a specific operating system so that it can run on a computer that would normally be incompatible with the app. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Datacenter virtualization clones data center hardware and turns it into software, allowing multiple clients to use portions of the center as their own unique data centers with virtual servers. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Central processing unit (CPU) virtualization is the backbone of the virtualization experience. It involves taking a single physical processor<\/a> and dividing it into many to run the VMs. Graphics processing unit (GPU) virtualization is the same principle as CPU virtualization. It distributes the strength of a single, powerful GPU across multiple VMs for graphics, and AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning Virtualization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Though virtualization may initially seem complex, there are many resources that can help you get a better grasp of the concept.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are many virtualization technologies, but when studying the concept, you\u2019ll usually be learning about the software solutions used by a specific company. It\u2019s a good idea to learn the basics of coding <\/a>before jumping into a specialized field like virtualization. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have several options<\/a> when it comes to learning virtualization technology, including taking classes from major virtualization companies.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, VMware<\/a> provides free access to their online labs, which you can use to test their software. Their free VMWare player<\/a> is a great way to dip your toes into the pool of virtualization without having to commit to an expensive subscription fee. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, with such intricate concepts, it can help to have an expert walk you through the basics. There are many courses for students of all levels online that can help you get on your way for free, or at a low cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Does It Take to Learn Virtualization?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your skill level and ability to commit to lesson plans, you can learn some virtualization methods in as little as three months to as long as eight years.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As different virtualization environments have different requirements<\/a>, you should aim to get a certification once you have locked down the basics of virtualization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Virtualization Courses and Training<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
There are plenty of courses available online to help you start building your own cloud architecture.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s best to get a general understanding of some of the basics of virtualization before diving into serious certification courses. With that in mind, you should consider taking some of the fundamental virtualization classes below before investing in a formal certificate program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Online Virtualization Courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many options for learning virtualization online. These paid courses below can give you the boost you need to start mastering this technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Started with Cloud Computing<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n