Definition: Virtual Machine: Virtual Machines (VMs) are features of central processor chips that isolate an area of memory from the rest of the system. Because operating systems and applications run in a "protected mode" environment, if a program freezes in one Virtual Machine it will not affect the operation of the programs and operating systems running outside of that Virtual Machine. From I-gloss
"Virtual Machine"
By Juergen Haas, About.com
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