The use of virtual machine technologies enables multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single computer. Virtualization is not a new concept. It has been around for many years, even before it became popular on Intel based Windows system. Virtualization is now a key component in helping organizations reduce capital and operating costs associated with Server Maintenance. Microsoft’s Hyper-V, a key feature of Windows Server 2008, enables one or more operating systems to run simultaneously on the same physical system. Microsoft Hyper-V provides scalability and performance by supporting enterprise features such as support for 64-bit guests, migration of virtual machines from one physical host to another, and integration with System Center Virtual Machine Manager.

The installation of the Hyper-V role on Windows Server 2008 is an easy task. You simply need to ensure that have the correct hardware to support it, which includes choosing the correct CPUs, enough memory and disk space. In addition, Hyper-V requires:

• An x64-based processor.
• Hardware-assisted virtualization must be available and be enabled in the BIOS (Intel VT or AMD Virtualization).
• Hardware Data Execution Protection (DEP) must be available and be enabled in the BIOS. You must enable Intel XD bit [execute disable bit] or AMD NX bit [no execute bit]

How can one tell if the virtualization support is enabled in the computers BIOS without having to reboot the server and going into the BIOS settings? Intel and AMD offer free tools that you can download which can verify whether a computer supports hardware virtualization. For Intel, you can access this link to download their tool.

Intel® Processor Identification Utility - Windows* Version

AMD also has a similar tool that can be downloaded here:

AMD Virtualization Technology and Microsoft Hyper-V System Compatibility Check Utility

Microsoft Windows 2008 R2 Hyper-V FAQs

http://www.microsoft.com/hyper-v-server/en/us/faq.aspx

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