What are KVM and QEMU? | How to Install It on Ubuntu?

In this guide, I want to talk about KVM and QEMU. I will also explain how you can use them on Linux systems. These open-source solutions provide a powerful way to run virtual machines.

Moreover, they are ideal for emulating different operating systems. I will tell you what KVM and QEMU are and how they differ. In addition, I will show you how to install and configure them on Linux. Let’s get started!

What are KVM and QEMU & How to Use Them?

KVM (Kernel-Based Virtual Machine) is an open-source virtualization solution for the Linux kernel. It also works with processors with Intel VTx and AMD-V technology.

In this way, it provides full virtualization using hardware acceleration. In addition, you can increase system performance with KVM. As a result, you get a powerful virtualization experience.

In addition, KVM requires QEMU to use its full virtualization capability. You can visit its website to get more information about this virtualization solution.

What is QEMU?

QEMU (Quick EMUlator) is an open-source system emulator. Also, you can run systems like Windows and Linux with QEMU. However, they have developed it to work on different hardware platforms.

Plus, it uses KVM for hardware acceleration. In short, it provides a Hypervisor Type 1 virtualization solution.

With QEMU, you can run ARM software on an x86-based computer. For example, Android developers can use the Android emulator on Eclipse.

But this emulator is one of the examples of ARM software. For additional information about ARM, you can refer to the following source. Thus, QEMU provides flexibility in different architectures.

For detailed information about QEMU, you can also visit the official website.

What is the Difference Between Them?

Now, let’s explain the difference between these two structures. We often use these terms together. In short, KVM is a virtualization method for Linux systems.

On the other hand, QEMU provides a user interface to KVM. In other words, QEMU needs KVM for the virtualization solution. In short, both work together.

Running KVM & QEMU on Ubuntu

It is easy to configure KVM & QEMU on Linux-based Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, and other systems. Also, this process is simple for Fedora, Kali Linux, and openSUSE systems.

After the installation, when creating a new virtual machine, you can choose KVM or QEMU as the Virt Type. Making the right choice will affect your virtualization performance. So you can quickly complete the configuration process.

Now, let’s install KVM & QEMU on Ubuntu. First, open the command terminal by pressing CTRL + Alt + T. Also, follow the steps below in order. Thus, check that the processes are going smoothly after each step.

Steps:

Step 1

Regardless of your Ubuntu version, first, execute the command below in the terminal.

sudo apt-get install qemu-kvm qemu virt-manager virt-viewer libvirt-bin
Copy

NOTE: The libvirt-bin package was split into two parts in version 18.10. So, for installation on Ubuntu 18.10 or 19.04, execute the following command.

sudo apt-get install qemu-kvm qemu virt-manager virt-viewer libvirt-daemon-system libvirt-clientsCopy

Step 2

Press Y and then Enter to confirm the installation for the virtual machine manager.

Step 3

After the installation is complete, open the Ubuntu Launcher. Immediately after that, find and run the Virtual Machine Manager.

Step 4

You can check the Virtual Machine Manager version from the Help / About section.

Installation ⇒ Video

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

In conclusion, I have told you about the powerful virtualization capabilities of KVM and QEMU in Linux systems. I have also briefly touched on the differences between these technologies.

After that, you can effectively manage virtual machines by following the installation and configuration steps.