Virtualization in terms of Operating systems or admins is the process of creating a virtual Os on top of bare metal like on a single server or laptop creating multiple OS, servers, storage devices, or network resources. It allows data center businesses to make the most of their existing hardware resources by allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single physical device. For Example, if you have one bare metal server you could have 10 VM or servers on them.

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is an open-source virtualization technology that allows for the efficient running of multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine. It was developed by Red Hat and is currently supported by a number of Linux distributions, including CentOS, Ubuntu, and Fedora.

VirtualBox is an open-source virtualization software which is developed by Oracle. It is a popular choice for running multiple operating systems on a single machine. Unlike KVM, VirtualBox is available for a variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. As part of local testing, you might be used this for your project.

Comparing KVM and VirtualBox

When it comes to virtualization, KVM and VirtualBox are two popular choices. However, they have some key differences, which makes it important to compare them before making a decision.

The main difference between KVM and VirtualBox is in their architecture. KVM is a type-1 hypervisor, which means it runs directly on the host machine’s hardware. This allows for greater performance and more efficient resource utilization. On the other hand, VirtualBox is a type-2 hypervisor, which means it runs on top of the host machine’s operating system. This allows for greater flexibility, but may not offer the same performance as KVM.

Reference: – https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-KVM

Another difference between KVM and VirtualBox is in their support for guest operating systems. KVM supports a wide range of guest operating systems, including Windows and Linux, while VirtualBox only supports a limited number of guest operating systems, such as Windows and macOS.

KVM and VirtualBox also differ in their ease of use. KVM requires a certain degree of technical knowledge to set up and configure, while VirtualBox is much easier to use and offers a user-friendly interface.

Advantages of KVM

KVM offers a number of advantages over VirtualBox.

One of the main advantages of KVM is its performance. As a type-1 hypervisor, KVM runs directly on the host machine’s hardware and is able to make use of the physical resources more efficiently. This makes it a better choice for applications that require high performance.

KVM also offers greater scalability than VirtualBox. It can support more virtual machines and more guest operating systems than VirtualBox. This makes it a great choice for businesses looking to scale their virtualization infrastructure.

KVM is also more secure than VirtualBox. It includes a built-in security layer called SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux), which makes it more difficult for malicious actors to gain access to the virtual environment.

Related:- How to check and disable SELinux

Advantages of VirtualBox

VirtualBox also has some advantages over KVM.

One of the main advantages of VirtualBox is its ease of use. It is much easier to set up and configure than KVM, and its user-friendly interface makes it suitable for less technical users. You no need to learn linux to use this .

VirtualBox also offers great flexibility. As a type-2 hypervisor, it can run on top of a wide range of host operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes it a great choice for users who need to run multiple operating systems on a single machine.

VirtualBox is also more cost-effective than KVM. It is free to use and provides a great way to get started with virtualization without having to invest in expensive hardware.

Disadvantages of KVM

KVM also has some drawbacks.

One of the main drawbacks of KVM is that it requires a certain degree of technical knowledge to set up and configure. This makes it unsuitable for non-technical users. You need to learn some basic linux to use KVM .

KVM also has limited support for guest operating systems. It only supports limux based operating systems, such as Windows and Linux. This makes it a less attractive option for users who need to run multiple operating systems on a single machine.

Disadvantages of VirtualBox

VirtualBox also has some drawbacks.

One of the main drawbacks of VirtualBox is its performance. As a type-2 hypervisor, it runs on top of the host machine’s operating system, which can lead to decreased performance. This makes it a less attractive choice for applications that require high performance.

VirtualBox also has limited scalability. It can only support a limited number of virtual machines and guest operating systems. This makes it unsuitable for businesses looking to scale their virtualization infrastructure.

Finally, VirtualBox is less secure than KVM. It does not include the same built-in security layer as KVM and is thus more vulnerable to malicious actors.

Pricing Comparison of KVM and VirtualBox

When it comes to pricing, KVM and VirtualBox have different models.

KVM is free to use, but requires additional hardware resources, such as servers and storage, which can be costly. On the other hand, VirtualBox is free to use and does not require additional hardware resources.

However, businesses looking to implement virtualization should also consider the cost of the software licenses. KVM does not require any software licenses, while VirtualBox does. This is an additional cost that should be taken into account when comparing the two platforms.

Security Comparison of KVM and VirtualBox

When it comes to security, KVM and VirtualBox have some important differences.

KVM includes a built-in security layer called SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) that makes it difficult for malicious actors to gain access to the virtual environment. On the other hand, VirtualBox does not include such a security layer and is thus more vulnerable to attack.

In addition, KVM is more secure when it comes to data privacy. It encrypts data stored in the virtual environment, while VirtualBox does not. This makes KVM a better choice for businesses looking to keep their data secure.

Choosing the Right Virtualization Platform

When it comes to choosing the right virtualization platform, it is important to consider the needs of your business.

If you are looking for a platform that offers high performance and scalability, KVM is the better choice. It runs directly on the host machine’s hardware and can support more virtual machines and guest operating systems than VirtualBox.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a platform that is easy to use and does not require additional hardware resources, VirtualBox is the better choice. Its user-friendly interface makes it suitable for less technical users, and it is free to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, KVM and VirtualBox are two popular virtualization platforms. They both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for your business will depend on your individual needs. KVM is a better choice for businesses looking for high performance and scalability, while VirtualBox is a better choice for businesses looking for an easy-to-use platform that does not require additional hardware resources.

Before making a decision, it is important to compare KVM and VirtualBox to determine which platform is the best fit for your business. This will ensure that you make the right choice and get the most out of your virtualization experience.