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 VM 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 Virtual Machines and Permissions.
The VM Portal’s user interface is described in the Introduction to the VM Portal.
The Administration Portal’s user interface is described in the Administration Guide.
The creation and management of virtual machines through the Red Hat Virtualization REST API is documented in the REST API Guide.
