Intel vt: what is it and what is it for?

If you have ever come across the terms Intel VT or Virtual Machine and did not know what they were, here we will explain a little what they are. Both terms are closely related to each other and have to do with process virtualization using software. Although it is not something that is currently very popular, it is a vital process for the industry.

Index of contents

What is virtualization and Virtual Machines ?

In simple words, we could define virtualization as a process that abstracts hardware and runs certain platforms using only software. Although it may sound a bit strange to you, it is not as elaborate as it seems.

The idea behind virtualization is to run everything that would really need software and hardware support using software. The most typical case of this are Virtual Machines, some 'applications' that allow us to virtualize Operating Systems , mainly.

By virtualizing OSs , we can enjoy, for example, two different experiences on the same computer without having to restart it. It may sound like a roll, but another of the best known uses (although not really so legal) is that of emulators.

What once needed a processor, a graphics card, RAM and others (with minimal power) , today can only be carried out with a couple of components. Thanks to this, we can have a PlayStation 1 , a GameBoy Advance or even a Nintendo 3DS on any current device or even on mobiles.

But profits don't end there. Virtualization is very relevant for the technology industry, in general. One of the most used things a while ago (since we have other tools today) was the development of mobile applications.

Not surprisingly, one of the main strengths is still working on servers. What we know by 'the Cloud' does not really exist, they are simply computers processing data for other computers.

But to all this: What does Intel have to do with all this?

What is Intel VT ?

Although older systems (in the case of emulators) had considerably less powerful hardware, they still used specialized components.

Yes, the processor of the PlayStation 2 was much weaker than any Ryzen 3000 and the graphics hardly had any power. However, we already had GPUs and CPUs in separate modules because each one specializes in one task. If we want to virtualize a PlayStation 2 , much of the work is done by the CPU , which is why performance could be affected on less powerful computers.

For this same reason, as this process became more widespread in the technology community, optimizations began to be developed.

If this is your case, you will have to navigate the BIOS of the motherboard. Normally this option is found in the tab in charge of Security .

Regarding technology, Intel ensures that it improves the flexibility and robustness of traditional software-based virtualization solutions. The highlights of Intel VT are:

• Streamline the transfer of platform control between the Host Operating Systems (OOs) and the Virtual Machine Manager (VMM). Network optimization for virtualization with adapter-based acceleration.

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On the other hand, Intel VT-d has its own improvements that have to do with different powers that they offer to the VMM . Among them, we highlight:

• Assign In / Out ports to client OSs . DMA Reassignment Reassignment of interrupts

This is especially interesting for companies, both small, medium and large. Although some user can create intricate systems from various Operating Systems , it is in the servers section when this really shines.

Since most of the work we do in the cloud is other computers handling these requests, we could say that much of the Internet is virtualized. Therefore, these technologies are vital for the correct and agile operation of the web.

Final words on virtualization technologies

We have not delved much into how it works or how to use it to its full potential, since today we have only seen what it is and what it is for. We hope you found it interesting, since it is a very important feature for the technological world in which we live.

What we have to confess to you is that today it may not be such an interesting technology.

Most new Intel processors and motherboards support Intel VT , so it's pretty much almost a standard. We could approximate it to multi-threading, technology that almost all desktop processors carry.

Not for nothing, it is always good to know a little more closely what we have in those metal pots that do calculations, right?

We hope you understood the article and learned something new today. If you have any experience about these technologies included in Intel VT , feel free to share them below, in the comment box.

Now write us: What other technology are you interested in right now? What do you think is the strongest point that Intel has? Share your ideas with others!

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