Chapter 2:

Virtualization

Virtualization:
“Creating Multiple Virtual machine (VMs) on a single physical
machine, allowing multiple operating Systems to run
simultaneously “

Virtualization technology:
It creates useful IT services using resources that are traditionally bound to hardware. It allows
user to use a physical machine’s full capacity by distributing its capabilities among many users or
environments.

Working

✓ Working Software called hypervisors separate the physical resources from the virtual
environments.
✓ Hypervisors can sit on top of an operating system (like on a laptop) or be installed directly onto
hardware (like a server), which is how most enterprises virtualize.
✓ Hypervisors take physical resources and divide them up so that virtual environments can use
them. Resources are partitioned as needed from the physical environment to the many virtual
environments.
✓ Users interact with and run computations within the virtual environment (typically called a
guest machine or virtual machine).
✓ The virtual machine functions as a single data file. And like any digital file, it can be moved
from one computer to another, opened in either one, and be expected to work the same.

Types of virtualizations Data virtualization

Data virtualization tools sit in front of multiple data sources and
allows them to be treated as single source, delivering the needed
data—in the required form—at the right time to any application or
user.
Server virtualization
Servers are computers designed to process a high volume
of specific tasks really well so other computers—like laptops and
desktops—can do a variety of other tasks. Virtualizing a server
lets it to do more of those specific functions and involves
partitioning it so that the components can be used to serve
multiple functions.

Operating system virtualization

Operating system virtualization happens at the kernel—the central task managers of operating
systems. It’s a useful way to run Linux and Windows environments side-by-side. Enterprises can also
push virtual operating systems to computers, which:

• Reduces bulk hardware costs, since the computers don’t require

such high out-of-the-box capabilities.

• Increases security, since all virtual instances can be monitored and

isolated.

• Limits time spent on IT services like software updates.

Network functions virtualization

Network functions virtualization (NFV) separates a network's key functions (like directory
services, file sharing, and IP configuration) so they can be distributed among environments.

Once software functions are independent of the physical machines they once lived on, specific
functions can be packaged together into a new network and assigned to an environment.

Virtualizing networks reduces the number of physical

components—like switches, routers, servers, cables, and hubs—that
are needed to create multiple, independent networks, and it’s
particularly popular in the telecommunications industry.

Challenges of Virtualization
1. Determining Individual Needs
2. Licensing Restrictions
3. Resource Estimations
4. VM Management
5. Virtual Backups
Potentials of Virtualization
1. Slash your IT expenses
2. Reduce downtime and enhance resiliency in disaster recovery situations
3. Increase efficiency and productivity
4. Control independence and DevOps
5. Move to be more green-friendly (organizational and environmental)

Linux containers (LXC)

Definition:

“A lightweight Operating System Virtualization method that runs multiple isolated Linux
system on a single host “

They are packaged computing environments that combine various IT components and isolate them from
the rest of the system. Their main differences are in terms of scale and portability.

Working:

Containers are typically measured by the megabyte. They don’t package anything bigger
than an app and all the files necessary to run, and are often used to package single functions that perform
specific tasks (known as a micro service). The lightweight nature of containers—and their shared
operating system (OS)—makes them very easy to move across multiple environments.

containers hold a micro service or app and everything it needs to run. Everything within a container is
preserved on something called an image—a code-based file that includes all libraries and
dependencies

Linux Command Line Interface (CLI)

✓ The Command Line Interface (CLI), is a non-graphical, text-based interface to the
computer system, where the user types in a command and the computer then executes it.
 ✓ The Terminal is the platform or the IDE that provides the command line interface (CLI)
environment to the user.
✓ The CLI terminal accepts the commands that the user types and passes to a shell.
✓ The shell then receives and interprets what the user has typed into the instructions that can
be executed by the OS (Operating System).
✓ If the output is produced by the specific command, then this text is displayed in the terminal.
✓ If any of the problems with the commands are found, then some error message is displayed.

Graphical User Interface

• In Graphical Mode (GUI), user can have many shells open, and perform tasks on
multiple/remote computers.
After successfully logging in, user is taken to the OS desktop where installed applications can
be used.
• Non-graphical mode (CLI) starts off with a text-based login, User is prompted for our
username/ID - password. If the login is successful, then an execution shell is provided. In command
line interface or the CLI, there are no windows present to move around.

Linux Shell

Definition:

“Shell A Shell provides an interface to the Linux system. It gathers input from user and
executes commands based on that input. When a program finishes executing, it displays
that program's output. “

“Shell is an environment in which commands, programs, and shell scripts can be run. “
There are different Flavors of a shell. Each flavour of shell has its own set of recognized commands
and functions.

Shell Prompt The prompt, $, which is called the command prompt, is issued by the shell. While the
prompt is displayed, command can be used. Shell reads input after pressing Enter. It determines the
command to be executed by looking at the first word of input.

Shell Types
There are two types of shells –
Bourne shell –The Bourne shell is the original Unix shell, developed by Stephen Bourne.
It has following subcategories –
• Bourne shell (sh) - It is Still widely used today, particularly for scripting.
• Korn shell (ksh) – is a shell that was developed by David Korn. Shell offers may additional
features.
• Bourne Again shell (bash) – It is an Improvement over the original Bourne shell and offers many
additional features .
• POSIX shell (sh) – shell that is designed to be compatible with the POSIX standard.
C shell – The C Shell is a shell that was developed at the University of California.
In C-type shell, the % character is the default prompt.
It has following subcategories –
• C shell (csh) – it is known for its C-like syntax and is often used for interactive use.
• TENEX/TOPS C shell (tcsh) – it is an enhanced version of the C shell, with additional features and
improvements.
The original Unix shell was written in the mid-1970s by Stephen R. Bourne while he was at the
AT&T Bell Labs in New Jersey. Bourne shell was the first shell to appear on Unix systems, thus it is
referred to as "the shell". Bourne shell is usually installed as /bin/sh on most versions of Unix. For
this reason, it is the shell of choice for writing scripts that can be used on different versions of Unix.

Linux user

Users are accounts that can be used to login into a system. Each user is identified by a unique
identification number or UID by the system. All the information of users in a system are stored in
/etc/passwd file. The hashed passwords for users are stored in /etc/shadow file.

Users can be divided into two categories on the basis of the level of access:

Super user/root/administrator: Access to all the files on the system.

Normal users: Limited access

When a new user is created, by default system takes following actions:

✓ Assigns UID to the user.

✓ Creates a home directory /home/.
✓ Sets the default shell of the user to be /bin/sh.
✓ Creates a private user group, named after the username itself.
✓ Contents of /etc/skel are copied to the home directory of the new user.
✓ .bashrc, .bash_profile and .bash_logout are copied to the home directory of new user. These
files provide environment variables for this user’s session.