Virtual PC allows multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single computer by creating separate virtual machines (VMs). Each VM acts like a fully independent computer with its own processors, memory, storage, and network connections. This enables testing and running incompatible operating systems side by side. Virtual PC provides features like shared clipboard, drag and drop between VMs and the host system. It is useful for rapid testing and reconfiguration by developers, support professionals, and architects. A new product, Microsoft Virtual Server, will provide similar virtualization capabilities for servers.

1. Quick Overview of
Virtual PC
Tyler S. Farmer
Sr. Technology Specialist II
Education Solutions Group
Microsoft Corporation

2. Virtual PC Product Overview
Product Description
Virtualization solution, simultaneously run multiple
operating systems on a single workstation
Create separate VM’s on top of your Windows
desktop, you can install other x86-based operating
systems including OS/2 or other versions of
Windows as a “guest operating system”
Each virtual machine emulates a complete
hardware system – from processor to network card
– in a self-contained, isolated software
environment, enabling the simultaneous operation
of otherwise incompatible environments

3. Virtual PC Product Overview
Host & Guest Operating Systems
Guest OS 1
Guest OS 2
Guest OS 3 Host OS

4. Virtual PC
Technical Features
4 network adapters
Virtual Network capabilities
Not connected, local only, virtual, NAT
XML file-based configurations
Support 4 GB of physical RAM
VM Additions (drag/drop, copy/paste, mouse
movements,
Hard drives (dynamic virtual, fixed)
Differencing & Undo disks

5. Solutions
Rapid Reconfiguration
Technical support professionals must
reconfigure and reboot their PCs to match
the user’s configuration
Training professionals must reconfigure
machines between classes
Developers must test and debug their
software on a number of different platforms
Architects must test leading edge software
and perform what-if scenarios
Legacy application only supports legacy
Operating System
Version for the Macintosh!

6. Coming Soon:
Microsoft Virtual Server 2004
Virtualization technology for legacy application migration
and server consolidation scenarios
Runs on Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server
2003
Manageability via COM API, Web console,
perfmon, event log
Supports up to 32 processors…each VM will only use
ONE
Supports up to 64 GB of RAM…3.6 GB per VM
Up to 64 VMs per server
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/techinfo/overview/v

7. Virtual Server Screenshot

8. © 2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
This presentation is for informational purposes only. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, in this summary.