A couple of years ago using a computer lab in a college or university meant physically walking into a room, making a reservation according to availability and then using it. If you are a person who studies at night you might or might not be able to access the computer lab depending on the university, you attend. This is because some colleges lock up their computer labs and library while some other colleges keep themopen 24/7.
However nowadays with improvements in technology we have a virtual computing or virtual computer labs. These can be accessed anywhere by students using their own devices. This is extremely beneficial for student who want to run processor heavy programs like CAD and their personal devices don’t meet the minimum operating requirements.
What virtual computing basically does is it lets your computer perform like another computer. You can download and install multiple operating systems, multitask and gain all the benefits of programs and software installed on the virtual environment without actually having to install anything on their personal device.
Increased storage space, better performance and more software application are just some of the possibilities due to virtual computing and servers. The data is also backed up and you have literally nothing to worry about.
What Is Virtual Computing?
In basic terms, virtual computing is the remote access to processors and software application. You access these remote services through the internet via network server or a wireless connection. By paying an additional amount user can use virtual computing to increase the capabilities, performance, size, processes and software application where they need it. This is done real time and the range of services typically are as follows, operating and utility systems, memory, software, storage, data backup, troubleshooting and solving problems and monitor and manage systems.
Nowadays even courses are offered in virtual labs. You can find a TAFE virtual computer lab that meets your needs.
Initially virtual computing started off as a strategy to borrow storage for systems but from then it has grown to what it is today.
Advantages of Virtual Computing
This depends on the user and the situation for which virtual computing is being used.
The main purpose of virtual computing is fast systems for processing processor heavy programs. Using a virtual system increase efficiency by allocating the processes to a virtual environment and frees up the computer space.
Flexibility is another main advantage;you can use the virtual environment anytime and anywhere and you don’t have install and configure complex programs. Most virtual commuting labs also have technical support. You also don’t have to worry about servers or technical maintenance.
You can also change platforms whenever you want, this means that you can use Mac OS on a windows pc.
These are only some of the benefits of virtual computing, however there are also drawbacks, like increased workload on the IT staff managing. Virtual providers also have to incur hardware and server costs. So, the drawbacks are mainly for virtual service providers.