# Virtual Machine A virtual machine (VM) is a software emulation of a physical computer system that allows multiple operating systems (OS) to run on a single physical host machine. Each VM operates as if it were a standalone computer system, with its own CPU, memory, network interface, and storage, but all resources are shared from the physical host machine. Virtual machines are created using virtualization software that partitions the physical host machine's resources into multiple isolated environments. Each VM can run a different operating system, allowing for a variety of different applications and services to run on the same physical host machine. This allows for greater utilization of hardware resources, reduced power consumption, and improved flexibility and scalability compared to running multiple physical machines. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.console.zenlayer.com/glossary/v/virtual-machine.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.