Client-side Virtualization

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Client-side virtualization refers to any solution designed to run on “ordinary” desktops or workstations.

• Each user will be interacting with the virtualization host directly
• typically used for testing and development:
  • Sandbox
    • create an isolated environment in which to analyze viruses, worms, and Trojans
      • contained within the guest OS, cannot cannot infect the researcher’s computer or network
  • Support legacy software applications and OSs
    • if software apps don’t work well on a newly upgraded OS
      • install old OS as a VM to use the application software
  • Cross-platform virtualization
    • Test software applications under different OSs and/or resource constraints
  • Training
    • Lab environments can be set up so that students can practice using a live OS and software without impacting the production environment
    • changes to the VM can be discarded so that the original environment is available again for the next student to use