Definition

KVM hypervisor

TechTarget Contributor

By

TechTarget Contributor

KVM hypervisor is the virtualization layer in Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM), a free, open source virtualization architecture for Linux distributions.

A hypervisor is a program that allows multiple operating systems to share a single hardware host. In KVM, the Linux kernel acts as a Type 2 Hypervisor, streamlining management and improving performance in virtualized environments. The hypervisor creates virtual machine (VM) environments and coordinates calls for processor, memory, hard disk, network, and other resources through the host OS. KVM requires a processor with hardware virtualization extensions to connect to the guest OSs.

KVM has been bundled along with the Linux operating system (OS) since 2007 and can be installed along with the Linux kernel. Numerous guest OSs can work with KVM including BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution), Solaris, Windows, Haiku, ReactOS, Plan 9, and the AROS Research OS. In addition, a modified version of QEMU ("Quick Emulator") can use KVM to run Mac OS X.

This was last updated in March 2017

Continue Reading About KVM hypervisor

KVM virtualization and management tutorial

KVM reignites Type 1 vs. Type 2 hypervisor debate

Xen vs. KVM hypervisors

KVM answers frequently asked questions (FAQ) about its virtualization solution

Networking

CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points)
CAPWAP (Control and Provisioning of Wireless Access Points) is a protocol that enables an access controller to manage a ...
network performance monitoring (NPM)
Network performance monitoring (NPM) is the process of measuring and monitoring the quality of service of a network.
infrared radiation (IR)
Infrared radiation (IR), sometimes referred to simply as infrared, is a region of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum where ...

Security

security analytics
Security analytics is a cybersecurity approach that uses data collection, data aggregation and analysis tools for threat ...
NICE Framework (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Cybersecurity Workforce Framework)
The NICE Framework (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Cybersecurity Workforce Framework) is a reference resource ...
application blacklisting (application blocklisting)
Application blacklisting --increasingly called application blocklisting -- is a network or computer administration practice used ...

CIO

digital ecosystem
A digital ecosystem is a group of interconnected information technology resources that can function as a unit.
procurement plan
A procurement plan -- also called a procurement management plan -- is a document that is used to manage the process of finding ...
Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles (the Principles)
Generally Accepted Recordkeeping Principles is a framework for managing records in a way that supports an organization's ...

HRSoftware

talent pipeline
A talent pipeline is a pool of candidates who are ready to fill a position.
recruitment process outsourcing (RPO)
Recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) is when an employer turns the responsibility of finding potential job candidates over to a ...
human resources (HR) generalist
A human resources generalist is an HR professional who handles the daily responsibilities of talent management, employee ...

Customer Experience

outbound marketing
Outbound marketing is a traditional form of marketing in which an organization initiates contact with potential customers, or ...
churn rate
Churn rate is a measure of the number of customers or employees who leave a company during a given period.
marketing campaign management
Marketing campaign management is the planning, executing, tracking and analysis of direct marketing campaigns.

Close