3.5 Given a scenario, install and configure motherboards, central processing units (CPUs), and add-on cards.
📘CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)
1. What Is Virtualization? (Exam Basics)
Virtualization is a technology that allows one physical computer to run multiple operating systems at the same time by creating virtual machines (VMs).
Each virtual machine:
- Acts like a real computer
- Has its own operating system
- Uses virtual hardware (CPU, RAM, storage, network)
The physical computer running the virtual machines is called the host.
The virtual machines running on it are called guests.
👉 Exam keyword: One physical system → multiple virtual systems
2. Why Virtualization Matters in an IT Environment
In real IT environments, virtualization is commonly used for:
- Running multiple servers on one physical machine
- Testing software or operating systems safely
- Supporting legacy operating systems
- Training and lab environments
- Reducing hardware costs and power usage
The CompTIA A+ exam focuses on hardware and firmware support needed to make virtualization work.
3. Hardware Requirements for Virtualization (VERY IMPORTANT)
Virtualization cannot work properly without the right CPU support.
3.1 CPU Virtualization Support
Modern CPUs include special features that allow virtualization.
Intel CPUs
- Intel VT-x → CPU virtualization support
- Intel VT-d → Direct access to hardware devices (advanced)
AMD CPUs
- AMD-V → CPU virtualization support
- AMD-Vi (IOMMU) → Advanced device virtualization
👉 Exam Tip:
If virtualization is not working, always check CPU support first.
3.2 64-bit CPU Requirement
Most modern hypervisors require:
- A 64-bit CPU
- Hardware virtualization support enabled
Without a 64-bit CPU, many virtualization platforms will not install.
3.3 Memory (RAM) Requirements
Virtualization requires more RAM than normal systems because:
- The host OS needs RAM
- Each virtual machine needs its own RAM
Example (IT environment):
- Host OS: 8 GB RAM
- VM 1: 4 GB RAM
- VM 2: 4 GB RAM
👉 Exam Point:
Insufficient RAM causes slow performance or VM failure.
3.4 Storage Requirements
Virtual machines use virtual hard disks, which are stored as files on the host system.
Common storage types:
- HDD (slower, cheaper)
- SSD (faster, preferred for VMs)
- NVMe (best performance)
👉 Exam Tip:
SSDs are recommended for virtualization due to high disk activity.
4. BIOS/UEFI Configuration for Virtualization (EXAM CRITICAL)
Even if the CPU supports virtualization, it will not work unless it is enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
Common BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Intel Virtualization Technology
- Intel VT-x
- SVM Mode (AMD)
- AMD-V
These settings are usually found under:
- Advanced BIOS settings
- Advanced chipset or CPU configuration
👉 Exam Scenario:
Virtual machine software will not start
Solution: Enable virtualization in BIOS/UEFI
5. What Is a Hypervisor?
A hypervisor is software that creates and manages virtual machines.
5.1 Type 1 Hypervisor (Bare-Metal)
- Installed directly on hardware
- No host operating system
- Used in enterprise environments
Examples:
- VMware ESXi
- Microsoft Hyper-V Server
5.2 Type 2 Hypervisor (Hosted)
- Installed on top of an operating system
- Common on desktops and laptops
- Used for testing and training
Examples:
- VMware Workstation
- Oracle VirtualBox
- Hyper-V (Windows Pro/Enterprise)
👉 Exam Focus:
A+ mostly deals with Type 2 hypervisors.
6. Virtualization and Add-On Cards
Some add-on cards can be used in virtual environments:
6.1 Network Interface Cards (NICs)
- Virtual machines use virtual network adapters
- The physical NIC is shared among VMs
6.2 Graphics Cards (GPU Virtualization)
- Advanced feature
- Used in virtual desktops and design environments
- Requires special hardware support
👉 Exam Level:
Basic awareness only (no deep configuration).
7. Virtualization vs Emulation (Know the Difference)
| Virtualization | Emulation |
|---|---|
| Uses real CPU | Simulates hardware |
| Faster | Slower |
| Requires CPU support | No CPU support needed |
👉 Exam Tip:
Virtualization is hardware-assisted; emulation is software-based.
8. Common Virtualization Problems and Solutions (Exam Scenarios)
Problem 1: Virtual machine will not start
Possible causes:
- Virtualization disabled in BIOS
- Unsupported CPU
- Insufficient RAM
Solution:
- Enable VT-x / AMD-V
- Verify CPU support
- Add more RAM
Problem 2: Hypervisor installation fails
Possible causes:
- 32-bit CPU
- Old BIOS version
Solution:
- Use a 64-bit system
- Update BIOS/UEFI
9. Key Exam Keywords to Remember
- Virtual machine (VM)
- Host vs Guest
- Hypervisor
- Intel VT-x
- AMD-V
- BIOS/UEFI virtualization
- Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors
- Hardware-assisted virtualization
10. Summary (Exam Quick Review)
- Virtualization allows multiple OSs on one computer
- Requires CPU support (Intel VT-x / AMD-V)
- Must be enabled in BIOS/UEFI
- Needs sufficient RAM and storage
- Uses hypervisors to manage VMs
- Common in IT testing, training, and server environments
