In cloud computing, virtual machines are an example of what?

Virtual machines are an example of compute virtualization because they represent a software-based simulation of physical hardware, allowing multiple operating systems and applications to run on a single physical server. This technology abstracts the underlying physical hardware and allocates resources dynamically, enabling efficient utilization of computing resources.

Compute virtualization improves hardware efficiency, increases flexibility, simplifies resource management, and enhances disaster recovery processes. By allowing multiple virtual machines to operate independently on the same host, organizations can maximize server utilization, reduce costs, and scale their computing resources according to demand.

The other options do not accurately describe virtual machines. Physical infrastructure refers to the tangible hardware components in data centers. User applications are software programs running on the operating systems within virtual machines, and local servers pertain to physical servers located on-site rather than virtualized instances.