Word of the Day: virtual

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms |March 7, 2017

virtual In computing, virtual is a digitally replicated version of something real. The replication, which is created with software, may not be an exact copy of the actual item, but it is similar enough in essence to be described as a digital rendition. An important goal of virtualization in information technology is to use real resources more efficiently and reduce costs. Applications of the word virtual include: virtual agent - a chatbot that serves as an online customer service representative for an organization. virtual assistant - an application program that can understand natural language and complete electronic tasks for the end user. virtual classroom - an online learning environment. Just like in a real-world classroom, a student in a virtual classroom participates in synchronous instruction, which means that the teacher and students are logged into the virtual learning environment at the same time. virtual machine - an operating system or application environment that imitates dedicated hardware. virtual reality - an artificial environment that is created with software and presented to the user in such a way that the user suspends belief and accepts it as a real environment. virtual storage - the pooling of physical storage from multiple network storage devices into what appears to be a single storage device. virtual switch - a software program that allows one virtual machine to communicate with another. virtual tape - an archival storage technology that makes it possible to save data as if it were being stored on tape, although it may actually be stored on hard disk or on another storage medium. virtual trade show - an online version of an event at which goods and services for a specific industry are exhibited and demonstrated. Quote of the Day "The mindsets that used to limit which applications could be virtualized are mostly gone now via a combination of maturing administrators, more capable hardware and experience." - Matthew Portnoy   Trending Terms virtual private network virtual asset virtual manufacturing virtual server virtual memory   Learning Center Expert advice for companies hesitant to implement virtualization Author of Virtualization Essentials, 2nd Edition, Matthew Portnoy, provides valuable information for those looking to implement virtualization. Virtualization levels have peaked, so what's next? Virtualization levels may have peaked, but that doesn't mean organizations should stop driving for further consolidation and efficiency savings. IT resource management and virtual server housekeeping tips Diligent IT resource management and regular housekeeping can help ensure you're making the most of your server and storage investments. Five ways a healthcare virtual assistant can improve patient engagement Patients can use a voice-based healthcare virtual assistant as an education tool or to set medication and appointment reminders. The rise of virtual workspace management tools Virtual workspace management tools aggregate the many resources employees access and IT administrators manage, but such products aren't right for every business. Writing for Business The book "Virtualization for Dummies" provides a _________ explanation of virtualization that helps readers achieve a basic level of understanding. A. simplified B. simplistic Answer       Stay In Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com   Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed!   FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2016 TechTarget. All rights reserved.