Virtural Reality

Computer gamers are not the only one's who can live in virtual reality, when computer techs need to load multiple operating systems at one time, they use a virtual machine to do so.  A virtual machine can simulate hardware or software for a physical computer.  This type of environment can be used to run various programs on one desktop.  This type of program can also be used on training devices to teach a class or install two systems at one time.  On Microsoft you can use the program "Virtual Pc" which allows you to operate in this kind of environment.  If you to isolate a particular application in software or hardware you are able to do so using the virtual machine. You are also able to capture screen shots when in this kind of environment, which could be used as tools to help teach a class.  Be aware that this of program takes up a lot of a computers memory, and if you don't have the memory to support it, it could slow down your computer.


http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-virtual-machine.htm