What is Hyper-V? Easily explained
Since Windows 8, private Windows users can also use the new "Hyper-V" feature. We show you what it is and how the software for virtualizing operating systems works.
Hyper-V: what is it?
Hyper-V is a virtualization software from Microsoft. This allows you to install additional operating systems on your PC and use them at the same time.
- If you use Windows 8 and start Hyper-V, you can create an additional virtual machine. This can also use Windows 8 as the operating system, but also other systems such as Windows XP or Ubuntu.
- If you install Windows 7 on your virtual computer, for example, Windows 7 runs in parallel to Windows 8 in a separate window. Windows 7, like your browser, can be minimized and closed with one click.
- Since the virtualization of a second operating system is very complex, you have to transfer some resources to Hyper-V. For example, if your computer has 4 GB of RAM that is usually used by Windows 8 alone, you must split the RAM between the two systems to run Windows 7 at the same time.
- For this reason, Hyper-V usually only operates two systems at the same time. The more systems are active, the slower your computer will be. However, you can create several virtual computers that can be started individually as required.
What are the advantages of Hyper-V?
- Hyper-V wants to compete with programs like "VirutualBox" and "VMware Player". The software is currently available for Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise as well as for Windows Server 2012.
- The advantage of Hyper-V is that you can use two operating systems in parallel. This means that different tasks can be carried out simultaneously on two systems, but only with one computer. This is particularly useful if a program no longer works under Windows 8 but runs perfectly on older, virtual systems.
- For example, a virtual computer is also suitable for sensitive tasks such as online banking. If you create a virtual PC in Hyper-V only for online banking and secure it well against viruses, you are very well protected against attackers.
In the next practical tip, we will show you how to install Windows 10 in VirtualBox.