Virtual machine (VM)
Also: virtual machines
Software that acts like a separate computer. It shares the real machine's hardware. Its separation is not a complete security guarantee.
The fuller definition
A virtual machine emulates a computer environment in which a guest operating system runs under a hypervisor.
- Host
Physical computer
- Hypervisor
Manages virtual hardware
- Guest
Separate operating system
A simplified relationship, not a screenshot or a complete design.
A concrete example
A separate operating system hosts an experimental agent with deliberately restricted shared folders.
The distinction that matters
Isolation and performance depend on configuration; shared drives or network access can reconnect supposedly separate environments.
Related terms
Container
A packaged-up program with everything it needs, so it runs the same way on any computer.
Agents & automationSandbox
A sealed-off space where an AI or a program can run without touching your real files or systems.
Hardware & hostingLocal model
A model that runs on your own computer, so your documents never leave it.
Where it is taught
Understand the hardware a local model needsSource and further reading
Hugging Face · Model inference and quantizationThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.