Microsoft has announced that Windows 8 will allow users to create multiple virtual machines on a single computer. This only had been available on Microsoft's server version of Windows.
“In brief, Hyper-V lets you run more than one 32-bit or 64-bit x86 operating system at the same time on the same computer. Instead of working directly with the computer’s hardware, the operating systems run inside of a virtual machine (VM).”
"Hyper-V," allows users to make virtual copies of PCs -- all within 1 PC (hence, "virtualized"). Virtualization addresses major security issues in that it separates the host hardware (your computer) from the operating system (Windows) and the applications which run within Windows. This is the main reason I responded to frogboy’s post about MS needing to decide about which way it’ll go as I did. HTML5’s security isn’t great. With this Virtualization, it couldn’t be better. More: If you decide to run a Virtual machine, you won’t need special security programs.
In theory, by running Hyper-V, you could have 1 PC and operate 5, 10, or 5,000 mini-PCs all running their own copy of Windows. It's an extremely powerful idea and it's really only began to take off in the last few years, most notably with web servers and individuals who for security run a virtualization program and for browsers which ‘Sandbox’ apps for testing their security. In practice though, the number of virtual machines is limited by RAM allocation for each VM. It will also be limited (in the case of Hyper-V) by the processor: You will need a very recent generation Intel or AMD CPU.
In terms of a malware attack on a Windows PC: If a user inadvertently downloaded a Trojan virus infected file, the malware would be limited in how far it could spread within the system. Especially if not downloaded as the Administrator.
A user could, for example, simply start another Virtual Machine that is not infected and continue on with work, and or keep a separate virtual machine simply for browsing the Internet without worrying it will affect the rest of the system. CarGuy1 refers to this in several responses to articles I have posted. He runs a Virtual Machine to browse.
At the moment, there are two prominent uses for virtualization technology:
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Developers – “To test out how a program performs in different versions of an operating system without the need to have multiple machines on hand. This can also be used with individual applications; for example, a webmaster could instantly try out a site design in several different editions of Internet Explorer without the hassle of installing and uninstalling the browser each time.” - cnet.com
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The second is to save on hardware costs: It's possible to use a single machine running virtual computers, then connect multiple sets of mice, keyboards and monitors. The virtualization means that multiple users can be working at the same time as if they had their own separate computer. This approach is very popular in schools in developing countries.
To date, such uses have only been available using a server, running a separate version of Windows.
Hyper-V will now be built directly into the main desktop edition of Windows 8.
However: The tool will only work with the 64-bit edition with SLAT (Second Level Address Translation a feature that helps with memory management), though it will include support for running virtual copies of 32-bit operating systems. It requires at least 4GB of memory, which will allow the user to create up to four "virtual machines". The virtualization technology will only work on processors which support virtualization, which are the newer generation CPUs (Intel and AMD have SLAT).
“The tool uses dynamic management, meaning that the user sets minimum and maximum memory levels for each virtual machine, but beyond this the computer automatically assigns memory based on the particular demands at any one moment.
Hyper-V requires a 64-bit system that has Second Level Address Translation (SLAT). SLAT is a feature present in the current generation of 64-bit processors by Intel and AMD. You’ll also need a 64-bit version of Windows 8, and at least 4GB of RAM. Hyper-V does support creation of both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems in the VMs.
Hyper-V’s dynamic memory allows memory needed by the VM to be allocated and de-allocated dynamically (you specify a minimum and maximum) and share unused memory between VMs. You can run 3 or 4 VMs on a machine that has 4GB of RAM but you will need more RAM for 5 or more VMs. On the other end of the spectrum, you can also create large VMs with 32 processors and 512GB RAM.” - msdn.com
Even more impressive is the way Virtualization operates with underlying hardware.
For example, with some virtualization software such as Citrix XenServer, you can simply make a copy of your virtual machine (which would appear as an icon), and then port it onto new hardware without ever having to reinstall the underlying operating system or its applications.
Sources:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/07/bringing-hyper-v-to-windows-8.aspx
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-20103376-75/windows-8-to-include-hyper-v-virtualization/
http://www.infopackets.com/news/technology/it/2011/20110909_windows_8_turns_1_pc_into_5_10_or_5000.htm