Advanced Topic 47 of 51 Operating Systems
Hypervisors
Software creating and running virtual machines.
How it works
A type 1 hypervisor (Xen, KVM, ESXi) runs directly on hardware; type 2 (VirtualBox) runs on a host OS. They schedule virtual CPUs and virtualize memory and devices.
Where it is used
Cloud providers.
Common pitfall
Nested virtualization and device passthrough add complexity.
Where it fits in the course
Hypervisors is topic 47 of 51 in Operating Systems, rated Advanced. It follows Containers. The next topic is Namespaces and Cgroups.
Practice and explore
- Open the interactive lesson, with a mini quiz.
- Take the Operating Systems quiz.
How to study this topic
- Read the explanation above and restate the definition in your own words.
- Open the interactive lesson and answer its mini quiz.
- Read the common pitfall, then write a short example that avoids it.
- Check your understanding in the Operating Systems quiz, and revisit the topic if you miss a question.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hypervisors?
Software creating and running virtual machines. It belongs to Operating Systems and is an advanced-level topic.
Where do people use Hypervisors?
Cloud providers.
What is the most common mistake with Hypervisors?
Nested virtualization and device passthrough add complexity.
What should I learn before this topic?
Start with Containers, the topic just before it in Operating Systems.
How can I practice it?
Answer the mini quiz in the interactive lesson, then take the Operating Systems quiz.
Is Hypervisors hard to learn?
It is an Advanced topic. Expect to read the explanation more than once and to connect it with earlier topics. Working through a small example by hand helps most.
How long does it take to learn Hypervisors?
Most learners can read the explanation and finish the interactive lesson in under an hour. Fluency comes from applying the idea, so plan a few short practice sessions with the quiz.
Which topics are related to Hypervisors?
Containers, Namespaces and Cgroups, Virtualization are closely connected. The full list is in the related topics section of this page.
What should I study after Hypervisors?
Continue with Namespaces and Cgroups, the next topic in Operating Systems.
Related topics
- Containers (Operating Systems)
- Namespaces and Cgroups (Operating Systems)
- Virtualization (Operating Systems)
- Microkernels vs Monolithic Kernels (Operating Systems)