If you ever installed any programs, performed some experiments on your computer, then you are well aware of how much time it takes to restore its pristine state. Often, for this, you have to completely reinstall the system.
In order to avoid such serious consequences, users go to all sorts of tricks: they install programs only from trusted sources, use the most powerful and high-quality antiviruses, and roll back the system in case of problems. But ordinary virtual machines are more reliable than all this.
What is a virtual machine?
Imagine that on your computer parallel to the first installed second operating system, which simultaneously works with it. It is completely independent of the "real" OS, it is possible to conduct any risky experiments on it.
Presented? So, virtual machines allow all this, since they are special software “containers” in which you can run almost any operating system. Unlike the OS that is on your hard drive, it will not have direct access to the computer hardware, acting through a software shell.
As a result, you can run at least a whole brood of viruses in it: they can not do any harm. An ideal example is the VMware virtual machine, which advanced users use to launch new versions of operating systems, to test dubious programs and drivers. In the realities of our country, it is even more often used to launch keygens to generate keys to programs. All this allows you not to waste your system in vain.
But you should not assume that virtual machines are the prerogative of Windows alone. Where more often they are used by users of Linux-like systems, since in many cases they may need to run some small utility that works only on a system from Microsoft. Fiddling with Wine for its sake is simply unjustified, while the "virtual" easily eliminates this need.
Often, users are looking for a comparison of virtual machines, trying to choose the best among them. It should be noted that in disputes the very same VMware often emerges, which has a number of undeniable advantages. Program developers are constantly contributing to their product support for almost all existing operating systems, including those that have just arrived. In particular, it was this application that at one time allowed you to run Windows 8, while in the popular Virtual Box, the system refused to start at all.
But the leader of the unspoken contest has one drawback. The program is paid. Of course, professionals who use its capabilities to test their programs do not have difficulties, but others would still like to advise them not to mess with broken programs and use the free Virtual Box. Although these virtual machines are not very popular among professionals, their abilities will be enough for you.