Chapter 1. Introduction
A virtual machine is a software implementation of a computer. The Red Hat Virtualization environment enables you to create virtual desktops and virtual servers.
Virtual machines consolidate computing tasks and workloads. In traditional computing environments, workloads usually run on individually administered and upgraded servers. Virtual machines reduce the amount of hardware and administration required to run the same computing tasks and workloads.
1.1. Audience
Most virtual machine tasks in Red Hat Virtualization can be performed in both the User Portal and Administration Portal. However, the user interface differs between each portal, and some administrative tasks require access to the Administration Portal. Tasks that can only be performed in the Administration Portal will be described as such in this book. Which portal you use, and which tasks you can perform in each portal, is determined by your level of permissions. Virtual machine permissions are explained in Section 6.8, “Virtual Machines and Permissions”.
Important
As a technology preview a link to the new VM Portal is available on the Red Hat Virtualization Welcome Page. The VM Portal provides the same functionality that is currently available in the Basic tab of the current User Portal. In a future release the User Portal will be deprecated and replaced by the VM Portal. The VM Portal is a Technology Preview feature only. Technology Preview features are not supported with Red Hat production service level agreements (SLAs), might not be functionally complete, and Red Hat does not recommend using them for production. These features provide early access to upcoming product features, enabling customers to test functionality and to provide feedback during the development process.
The User Portal's user interface is described in the Introduction to the User Portal.
The Administration Portal's user interface is described in the Introduction to the Administration Portal.
The creation and management of virtual machines through the Red Hat Virtualization REST API is documented in the REST API Guide.
