KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

What is KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)?

KVM is a comprehensive virtualization solution for Linux systems running on x86 hardware with virtualization extensions, such as Intel VT or AMD-V. It consists of a loadable kernel module, kvm.ko, which provides the core virtualization infrastructure, and a processor-specific module, kvm-intel.ko or kvm-amd.ko. KVM also requires a modified QEMU, although efforts are underway to integrate the necessary changes into the upstream QEMU project. With KVM, users can run multiple virtual machines, each with its own private virtualized hardware, including network cards, disks, and graphics adapters. The kernel component of KVM has been included in the mainline Linux kernel since version 2.6.20. KVM is an open-source software solution, offering a flexible and efficient virtualization platform for Linux environments

Highlights

• Full virtualization solution for Linux on x86 hardware with virtualization extensions
• Comprises a loadable kernel module (kvm.ko) and processor-specific modules (kvm-intel.ko, kvm-amd.ko)
• Supports running multiple virtual machines with private virtualized hardware