Virtual Machine
Also written: VM
A virtual machine is a software computer that runs on physical hardware, letting you run different operating systems or applications.
A virtual machine, or VM, is like having a computer inside your computer. It's a software program that acts like a separate, physical computer.
This lets you run different operating systems, like Windows on a Mac, or test software without affecting your main computer. Think of it as a safe sandbox for running programs.
A virtual machine is a software emulation of a physical computer system. It allows for the execution of an operating system and applications as if they were running on dedicated hardware. This is achieved through a hypervisor, which manages the allocation of physical resources (CPU, memory, storage, network) to the virtual machines.
VMs enable resource consolidation, isolation, and portability. Tradeoffs include performance overhead compared to bare-metal execution and increased complexity in management.
AI labs are using virtual machines to offer cloud-based coding environments. This allows users to run complex development tools and applications remotely, bypassing the need for powerful local hardware. Companies are also exploring how AI can optimize the management and performance of these virtual machines in cloud computing.
- Coding on the go with Claude CodeAnthropic · Claude on YouTube ·
- Coding on the go with Claude CodeAnthropic · Claude on YouTube ·
- Solving virtual machine puzzles: How AI is optimizing cloud computingGoogle · Google Research Blog ·
- Anthropic Claude
- Anthropic is using cloud sessions, which likely leverage virtual machines, to enable users to code remotely with Claude Code without local hardware limitations.
- Google Gemini
- Google's LAVA AI is optimizing cloud computing by managing virtual machine lifespans, suggesting a focus on efficient VM deployment and resource allocation.
- Container
- A container virtualizes the operating system, sharing the host OS ker
- Emulator
- An emulator mimics the hardware of a different architecture, often for
- Cloud Instance
- A cloud instance is a virtual machine provided by a cloud provid
The concept of virtual machines dates back to the 1960s with IBM's work on time-sharing systems. Early research and development occurred at IBM and later at universities. Source ↗
You can try using a VM by downloading VirtualBox, a free program. Install it, then download a free operating system like Ubuntu Linux and follow the instructions to install it inside VirtualBox.
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
- ToolClaude Code cloud sessions for remote codingRun coding sessions in a cloud virtual machine, accessible from any device, even your phone. · 5 min
- PromptRole-play a student struggling with math for AI tutor simulationSimulate a student's math struggles and uncertainty for AI tutor evaluation. · 5 min
- TemplateReusable workflow templates for healthcare teamsTeams can create and share templates for common workflows like documentation or prior authorizations. · 15 min
- TemplateTemplate for building an AI tool tailored to your workA structured approach to defining and building a custom AI tool for specific business needs. · 15 min
- TemplateEvals CSV prompt list for agent skillsA CSV file template for listing prompts used in evaluating agent skills. · 20 min
Questions people ask
- What is the main benefit of using a VM?
- VMs allow you to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical computer, providing isolation and flexibility.
- Are VMs the same as containers?
- No, VMs virtualize hardware, while containers virtualize the operating system. Containers are generally lighter and faster but offer less isolation.
First seen on Subvolts Oct 17, 2025. Updated Oct 14, 2026. Written by an AI model from the items above and reviewed against them weekly; report an error.