The term "hypervisor" refers to a software that enables the virtualization of multiple operating systems on a single computer. The word is spelled "hahy-per-vuhy-zer" in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress falling on the second syllable. The "h" is sounded as a "ha" at the beginning of the word, followed by the long "i" vowel sound in "hyp". Then, the "per" and "vuh" syllables are pronounced with short "e" and "uh" sounds, respectively. Finally, the word ends with the "zer" syllable, sounding like "zer" in "zero".
A hypervisor refers to a software, hardware, or firmware component that enables the creation and operation of virtual machines (VMs). It is a vital element of virtualization technology, allowing multiple operating systems (OS) or instances to run concurrently on a single physical machine. The primary purpose of a hypervisor is to isolate and control the resources of the host computer, providing an environment where the virtual machines can operate independently.
In essence, the hypervisor acts as a mediator between the host hardware and the virtual machines, allocating resources such as CPU, memory, and storage to each VM as necessary. It allows these virtual environments to share the host's resources efficiently, making the most out of the available computing power. By utilizing a hypervisor, users can consolidate multiple virtual machines onto a single physical server, optimizing hardware utilization and reducing costs.
There are two primary types of hypervisors: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 hypervisors, also known as "bare-metal" hypervisors, run directly on the host hardware without the need for a separate operating system. Type 2 hypervisors, on the other hand, run as an application within a conventional OS. Both types provide similar functionalities, but Type 1 hypervisors are generally considered more efficient and secure due to their direct connection with the hardware.
Overall, hypervisors play a crucial role in the virtualization infrastructure, enabling the creation, management, and execution of multiple virtual machines on a single physical server efficiently.
The word "hypervisor" is derived from the combination of two terms: "hypervisor" and "supervisor".
The term "supervisor" originates from the Latin word "supervidere", which means "to oversee". It refers to a person who monitors and manages the activities of others.
The prefix "hyper" comes from the Greek word "hupér", which means "over" or "above". When combined with "supervisor", it emphasizes the concept of being above or overseeing a supervisor.
Therefore, "hypervisor" can be understood as a technology that supervises or oversees the activities of an underlying physical computer or server in a virtualized environment.