Introduction
This article will discuss the Top 5 Virtual Machine Softwares which are widely used. Although much such softwares are available in the market, here we discussed only those which have the most subscribers and excellent user reviews.
1.VMware Workstation Player: Simple and Easy To Use
VMware company offers several products for virtualization. It offers Workstation Player for the PC, Fusion Player for Apple Mac, and many other products. However, these two products are the most running apps of VMware company. Both these products offer the same solutions, though they are designed for different platforms.
The Fusion Player possesses Unity Mode, which enables Mac users to use Windows applications. It launches these applications as if they were part of the operating system.
Similarly, the Workstation player is the most advanced and natural product of VMware company. It delivers sophisticated virtualization services with the best optimum time. Additionally, it is also among the few virtualization products which support OpenGL3.3 and DirectX 10. Moreover, it allows CAD and GPU-based applications to work under the banner of virtualization.
Lastly, the workstation player is free for personal use, whether you are a Windows or Linux-based user. However, business users require a Pro or Fusion version.
2. VirtualBox: Best Choice for Beginners
VirtualBox is the best option for those users who have less experience in handling the operating system. It supports all kinds of operating systems without exception. It can support old versions of Windows such as Windows XP, Windows NT, Open BSD, or even Windows 3x. Some people are nostalgic about using an older version of operating systems, and though Virtualbox supports these windows; however, we recommend you use the modern versions of Windows.
You can also run VirtualBox on Apple Mac and other Apple-based operating systems. It can also host Mac VM sessions.
Lastly, you can also run it on Oracle, which provides a wide range of building VMs for free.
3. Parallels Desktop: AN Excellent Apple Mac Virtuality
BOOT Camp is a popular choice for running virtualization software on Mac operating systems. It is a free tool, but you have to install Parallel Desktop to assist it, and it demands regular booting.
It also enables you to run Mac OS and Windows simultaneously, but their respective software can only run in their particular environment. Additionally, it offers a unified clipboard, and notifications of Widows can occur on Mac and vice Versa. The majority of Mac users believe that it is only used for running Windows, however, it can host a variety of OS, such as Chrome OS, Linux distributions, and different Mac OS versions.
It offers its free basic edition for personal use, but the business owner can upgrade to the Pro version. The pro version offers tremendous benefits. For instance, you can Run Microsoft Visual Studio, access more RAM, and run Business versions of other software.
The majority of Mac users mistakenly believe that Parallels Desktop is only a tool for running Windows; however, it can also host a variety of Linux distributions, Chrome OS, etc.
4. QEMU: Offers the dual function
This product offers dual functions, both as a VM host and as a virtual Machine. It can simulate various processors and architectures, including MIPS64, PowerPC, x86 PC, ETRAX CRIS, SPARC (32 and 64), ARM, MicroBlaze, and SH4.
It can perform its functions without the permission of the administrator, and the performance of virtual machines operating on it works as good as the local installations.
It relies on CLI inputs to install and configure the system and doesn’t rely on GUI-based interface tools. Even though it can run various operating systems, right now, it only supports Linux-based platforms.
5. Citrix Hypervisor: A Highly Scaleable Solution
Citrix Hypervisor is an open-source tool; you can download and install it for free. However, it only offers a basic version for free, and it doesn’t possess advanced features.
It offers sophisticated management tools, as well as the ability to automate and distribute live environments for its customers. It supports virtualized GPU and GPU pass-through, making it the best choice for virtualized CAD.
Moreover, it allows you to build virtual data centers that can handle both planned and unplanned data while maintaining the high levels of availability that your business demands.
Which VM software is best for you?
You have to consider your actual requirements before choosing which virtual machine software you must use. Although some great open-source softwares are free, they have restrictions regarding the variety of tools available. On the other hand, higher-end software can truly cater to your needs, but you have to pay a handsome amount for them.