Virtualization essentially means running two or more operating systems on one physical machine. Using virtualization, IT professionals can provide support and assistance from anywhere to anywhere (and anyone), using a network of host and guest machines. In business, virtual machines are used by those with partners all over the world, and they help save time and money. Virtual machines are the fastest and easiest way to run applications, which would otherwise slow down the computer and eat up its CPU power.

Let the cloud work for you

Courses on Windows Server and virtualization have been part of the Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) since its inception in 2011. There are now 60 courses on virtualization at MVA, with more being added from time to time.

The topics of these virtualization courses range from working with Microsoft Azure and SQL Server, through courses on cloud computing and infrastructure management, to advanced courses such as failover clustering in Windows Server 2012 R2. The top courses in the virtualization category are: Windows Server 2012 R2 Virtualization, Server Virtualization with Windows Server Hyper-V and System Center, Introduction to Hyper-V Jump Start, and Microsoft Desktop Virtualization.

Course Review: Virtualizing Your Data Center with Hyper-V and System Center

One of the most popular courses is Virtualizing Your Data Center with Hyper-V and System Center, instructed by Symon Perriman and Matt McSpirit. This course is for those who are new to Hypervisor (Hyper-V) or virtual machine manager. It is a practical guide to building and navigating the infrastructure of a virtual machine, and how you can better utilize your system and server capabilities in order to consolidate workloads and improve performance.

Microsoft Virtual Machines

The topics covered in this course are:

• Introduction to Microsoft Virtualization and Host Configuration
• Virtual Machine Clustering and Resiliency
• Virtual Machine Configuration, Mobility, Replication, Protection, and Network Virtualization
• Virtual Machine and Service Templates and System Center 2012 R2 Datacenter
• Virtualization with the Hybrid Cloud and VMware Management, Integration, and Migration
• Recommended Resources & Next Steps

This course has no prerequisites. It is worth 48 points, and runs about eight hours long. It has six modules, five assessment exams, and includes the slides which are used throughout the course for easy following. This is a Level 300 course, which means it is meant for professionals with at least a year’s worth of experience in IT. The course is rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Perriman is a senior technical evangelist with Microsoft, industry expert, author, speaker, and trainer. He is specifically focused on Private Cloud, System Center and Hyper-V. Perriman is a VMware Certified Professional, and has many other credentials under his belt.

McSpirit is a Senior Product Marketing Manager for Microsoft, and web designer. He is in charge of a Server & Cloud Platform Team with a focus on Virtualization and Private Cloud space, from Hyper-V, through to System Center and Forefront Security.

Course Review: MDOP Application Virtualization Deep Dive

Another very popular course is MDOP Application Virtualization Deep Dive, instructed by Ronald Dockery and Steve Thomas. This course is a Level 200 in-depth course, aimed at professionals who are interested in learning more about virtualizing apps using the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP). Correct use of the MDOP can extend beyond the normal benefits of virtualization to greater heights.

Instructor Ronald Dockery

The topics covered in this course are:

• Server Features and Roles
• Client Management
• Package and Connection Group Management
• Recommended Resources & Next Steps

This course has no prerequisites. It is a relatively short course, only three hours long, but the instructors make sure to pack a lot in. The course is worth 39 points, and includes five modules, four assessment exams, as well as slides and screen captures which can be used throughout the course, for quick and easy learning. The course has been rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Dockery is a Senior Product Manager for Microsoft.

Instructor Steve Thomas

Thomas a Senior Consultant at Microsoft, specializing in end-to-end Cloud/Mobility/Virtualization solutions, with over 20 years of experience in the IT field. He is highly skilled at emerging Enterprise Cloud and On-Premises technologies, including Windows Azure and System Center.

Virtualization allows users to be as productive as they can. It takes advantage of providing on-demand apps, which operate as if they are locally installed. It is a virtual short cut which can save users and IT professionals time, money, and energy, and which can better diversify the workload among business partners, developers, and technicians.

Using virtual machines and OS to run complex applications is easy, and with the MVA’s virtualization courses you will be able to make the most out of the process. Get moving fast and simultaneous operations.