The advantages VHD has over a physical hard drive is the ability to store operating
systems, applications and data. For example several operating systems can have be
loaded on the same systems. For example it mainly backing up and storing previous
data that can be access but a physical hard drive have to convert it one at a time.
Virtual hard drive can also allow any other removable media accessed by the
operating system. Where a physical hard drive is attached to one computer/ laptop and
is the primary storage and helps organize data.I believe that a VHD is more effect
when trying to use it for multiple different operating systems, it helps convert
different data into the proper operating system which allows the data is have easy
access to it. A physical hard drive takes a little long cause it have to data in the
current operating system which sometimes cause the data to become unusable or
unable to be access due the operating system. From personal use of VHD it have a
very easy to maintain and much more easier to understand. A VHD(virtual hard disk)
is a virtual file format that represents a physical hard drive. It is useful because
multiple operating systems can be loaded onto the same host system. VHD allows
developers to perform cost efficient software testing. VHD can be used as a free, and
easy to use backup format for data. VHD is also recognized by many programs and
can be easily accessed. The physical drive is more advantage is than a VHD when the
needed size of the disk exceeds the current VHD limit of 2TB or if the VM requires
direct disk access due to high disk I/O. Virtual hard drives and physical hard drives
hold the same function, but are used in different applications. There are advantages
and disadvantages to each side. With a virtual hard drive, accessibility, to me is the
biggest advantage. When a virtual drive is utilized it is easier to for any admin to
access and manipulate the drive though the server versus actually having to put hands
on it. Storage is very easily allocated to where it needs to be, and also can be
adjusted at a moments notice. In regards to a pysical drive, I think that the biggest
factor is security. With a physical drive, it is much harder to change the tasks given.
One must, in most cases have access to the drive itself or the direct system it is
stored on. Another good thing about physical drives compared to virtual is the
upgrade factor. A physical drive can be replaced easily, while a virtual drive must be
formatted to represent whatever job is tasked with, a physical drive delegates and has
orders from the manufacturer. A VHD refers to a virtual hard disk. It is a file
extension for a disk image. It is what creates virtual machines and replicates existing
hard ware. It essentially mirrors something that already exists and behaves in the same
manor that it would. IIt stores your partitions, file systems, files and folders. Virtual
hard disks have advantages such as easily backing up data. Virtual drives make file
encryption easy and provide an added security measure by not actually having a
physical drive. Physical hard drives are more at risk for security issues and virtual
storage are easily expanded. A physical disk however, has the potential to run better.
With a VHD you can customize the size to almost anything you want. The cons of a
virtual hard disk would be that some programs are not compatible with them and
sometimes can be difficult to manage.I never knew that a Virtual Hard disk and
definitely has to be one of the most intriguing items we have learned in this course. I
want to look into using a virtual hard disk for personal use just to experiment. Virtual
hard drives have many uses, from what i have researched they're used for backing up
data, and storing alternative operating systems. Backing up data with a virtual hard
drive is very simple, you use the virtual hard drive as an alternative space to save
important files to. Another use for a virtual hard drive is for another operating system.
A popular alternative to windows or macOS is Linux. Linux is an open sourced
operating system. This allows a user to run a program on a separate hard drive, which
is very useful for testing out new applications. One particular benefit of having a
virtual hard drive would be the snapshot tool. The snapshot tool allows you to save
the current condition of the virtual hard drive and create a backup to that point.
Virtual hard drives also have an added security feature, they allow for data encrypting.
Virtual hard drives are very interesting and have many uses, i will be sure to keep up
to date with them and see what the future has in store. VHDs are files that represent
a virtual hard drive. They can be useful when testing applications, and for running
virtual desktops. They can be used for running applications for different operating
systems, such as a Windows application on Linux. There are many applications that
can allow a user to do this, including Vmware and VirtualBox. VHD’s are easier to
store and backup since they are simply files rather than physical hard drives. A .VHD
file can be transferred to another user easily. You can also store the contents of your
computer and back it up with a VHD instead of manually dragging your items to an
external hard drive. The size of a VHD can also be easily managed, while a physical
hard drive remains the same. They are also much more cost effective than having a
physical drive, as one can be created quickly. A virtual hard drive can be less secure
than a physical hard drive if one is storing their files in the cloud. Some applications
are also unable to run on virtual drives as well. Virtual Hard disks carry many
advantages compared to Hard Disk drive, for example, Virtual Hard Disk are
relatively easy to deploy, they can be copied over to many different virtual machines
with ease. Secondly, Virtual Hard Disks files can be backed up and restored easily
due ti being a file. If one is ever in a situation where their Virtual Hard Disk
becomes corrupted, one can upload the .VHD file and restore all data.One of the
primary advantages to HDD is that one can expand their storage by simply adding an
external hard drive or adding another Hard Disk Drive to the server drive bay. And
secondly, its a master hard disk, a Virtual Hard Disk wont exist with out the Hard
Disk Drive and Depending on the size of the Hard Disk Drive, it will dictate the
allocated space for the Virtual Hard Disk. I think that the advantage of having VHD
are the ability to change the size as needed. This is something that is undoubtedly
amazing. If you have the physical space you can create as many VHD and have as
much space on each as you need. The virtual hard drive (VHD) is considered to be
more useful as compared to the physical hard drive. A similarity between these hard
drives is that they are used for running an operating system (OS) such as the
Windows OS or the Linux OS. A major advantage is that it can be utilized for
running the applications in a separate manner from the physical hard drive. A chief
feature of the virtual hard drive which gives it an upper hand over the physical hard
drive is that it can be created as well as managed within the computer system. On the
other hand, a physical hard drive has to be connected from the outside .
A major advantage of the physical hard drive is the speed relating to the read and
write function. In addition to this, the performance of the hard drive is considered to
be top-notch. But other than these unique elements, the virtual hard drive is far
superior as compared to the physical hard drive. My research has revealed that the
virtual hard drive is far superior as compared to the physical hard drive in many
respects. It never really occurred to me that were could be different types of hard
drives, at least in this manner. I also believed that a hard drive was physical, either
external or internal. From what I have found, there are many pros to having a virtual
hard drive though almost as many drawbacks. First off, access for a virtual hard drive
can done indirectly, but then that means there is slightly lower security aspect to it. A
physical hard drive can store more on it and also processes faster than a virtual hard
drive, however it is easier to move the data that is on the virtual hard drive than on
a physical drive. I am still uncertain as to when I would lean towards using a virtual
hard drive. I guess call me basic, but I see things like holds more data and processes
faster and I tend to lean in that direction. Most of my experience of using virtual
hard drives comes from also using virtual machines. Typically when trying to test and
experiment with other operating systems and software with out having to change
anything with your physical computer. It will allow you set set aside an amount of
storage of your choice to use as a VHD, while in this virtual drive everything will
act independent from the computer you are on. Which is great for experimenting as
you can run multiple operating systems without having to use any other hard drives
and switching back and fourth. In cybersecurity this is really only one of the few
ways you are actually allowed to practice ethical use of operating systems like Kali
Linux and Ubuntu. The biggest negative drawback with dealing in virtual drives, as I
am sure we have all noticed is the speed. Virtual drives just will not be able to run
at the capacity of a physical drive. So unfortunately I was not able to create a VHD
on my computer since I am using my work computer today. This type of file is kind
of like a safe handling for backups. It also has large storage capacity which makes it
faster at retrieving and storing data than other storage devices, which can cut costs as
well. This is what could make it useful and be an advantage over a physical hard
drive. The only problem is that it may occupy a lot of space, so you have to make
sure you have enough space on your computer. Also it is more remote than a
physical hard drive that is only sits on the computer. I think the advantage of a
physical hard drive over a VHD is that it actually exists on the computer while the
VHD is a disk image file format that replicates the existing hard drive. If only I
could have actually created a VHD to see what the actual difference is. I will
probably try creating it on my personal computer, I don't know if the process is the
same since it's a Macbook. I can honestly say I have learned a lot in this class. The
reading this week was very informative. Reading the difference between a VHD and a
physical drive was a good read. I looked up multiple websites before I decided what
i wanted to write because I wanted to learn all that I could. With all the reading I
did I narrowed it down to what I thought was the most informative. A VHD can let
you have multiple Operating Systems on one computer. That could be useful if you
have one system at work or school and another system at home. one use of a VHD
is to store operating systems and files to a virtual machine. It can also be used to
back up files. The advantages of VHD has over a physical hard drive you can restore
backups on a different computer while one a physical disk you can only restore on
the main computer. Also with a virtual drive you can set the amount of storage where
with a physical drive you only have a certain amount of storage. With a physical
drive you can save certain things and nobody can access them unless they have access
to the host computer. Virtual machines are so useful because virtual hard disks are
so very flexible. Opposed to their physical counterparts, VHDs can be created in,
added to and from and removed from a virtual machine most efficient . VHDs also
support various configurations that can allow you to use physical disk space
efficiently. Advantages are it’s more futuristic it’s very easy to use and very much so
flexible and it’s faster portability and expandable the advantage of a physical hard
drive is just basically the storage. biggest reason why a virtual hard drive or VHD is
useful is in its name. They are virtual, they can be accessed over the internet. Making
accessing from deferent locations and on different computers easier then having to
unplug and lag around an External HD. Worst than that is having to mess with your
internal HD. Another helpful thing about an VHD, is you can get them right when
you need them. Say you about to get a new game that you wanted off the Steam
store. When you go to download it, you realize you need more memory. Normally
you could just go to Walmart and grab one. Problem is, its late at night and Walmart
already closed. Now if you only use physical storage, your fun night is over. Unless
you could delete something off your HD. Lets be honest, we all have done that when
times get though. With VHD’s, you can have more space, when every you need it.
There are some flaws with VHD’s. It again revolves around the positive we started
with. Its virtual, meaning its no longer safe in your own home. Now the possibility of
your files being seen are very high. Again, with the virtual thing if your internet or
the host computer is down. Your again, out of luck. Leaving you at home thinking
was this a good idea? That is why I believe that everyone should have two different
sources. You should have more personal stuff back up on your own HD. While
having stuff that you would not be very upset if were stolen or seen by others on
VHD’s. VHDs are single files so it's pretty much user-friendly and replicating your
backups can be a breeze.You can easily restore with VHD and it's compatible with
cross/application platforms. Not to mention it's portability; the virtual disks are stored
as files of the host machine of a remote computer. This means that you can be
flexible and easily move them to a new location or the same computer or even to a
different computer.Last but not least, VHD data transfer rate is faster than an HDD.A
physical hard drive is more advantageous of an VHD because HDD has a longer life
span based upon its read-write cycle. it provides large data storing capacity so that
you can store all your data in a single drive.
The HDD is considered to be an old-school storage device that uses mechanical
platters and a moving read-write head to access data.
A virtual hard drive has some particular advantages over a physical hard drive. Its one
common purpose is that it can be used to run an operating system, such a Linux or
windows. it can also be used to run applications separately from your physical hard
drive. One obvious advantage with this is that a virtual hard drive, is created and
managed within the computer it is running on as oppose to a physical hard drive that
is either external and needs to be connected and carried, with you or internal which
still needs space inside of a computer to hold another drive. among others.
As for a physical hard drive, the biggest advantage it has will be read and write
speed, and performance of a physical hard drive, as anyone would have guessed, but
aside from that there are not that many advantages that a physical hard disk has over
a virtual disk. it is interesting that in my research i couldn't find a reason that a
virtual hard drive was really inferior to a physical drive, the benefits of a VHD are
going to outweigh the physical. I will admit I was more intrigued to learn more about
virtual hard drives. The first thing I did was find out exactly what virtual hard drives
are. I found that Virtual hard drives are essentially support drives on a physical hard
drive in a computer in the form of different files. The disk image replicates an
existing hard drive and includes all data and structural elements. Because the virtual
disks are stored as files on the host device or a remote computer, you can move them
easily to a new location on the same computer or to a different computer. In addition,
I found out that if the operating system offers it, you could potentially large enough
virtual drive that your compute could be tricked in to thinking there is another drive
on it. Once the virtual hard drive is added, this creates more opportunities to add
more storage to your computer more than what a physical hard drive would offer
itself. As always, all feedback is welcomed and viewed. A VHD is useful because
you can make the system believe there is another physical hard drive on it making it
possible to utilize it for different operating systems. VHD makes it possible to create
multiple servers easier and is less expensive that purchasing an additional physical
hard drive or partitioning a single hard drive into multiple volumes. Portability of
VHD is also an advantage in the way the files are stored on the computer and that
they can be encrypted. They can be transferred to a different and/or newer computer
easier than moving the information from a physical hard drive. Although the VHD
uses less power and takes less effort cool, a physical hard drive is better for speed
and performance. A VHD is a virtual representation of physical HDD contained inside
a file. When you create a virtual machine you need somewhere to store the data from
the virtual hard disk of the virtual machine, and the VHD is where the data is stored.
Using a VHD the virtual machine is able to store data on the physical drive on the
host computer. With storage, because the VHD is providing an interface to the
physical drive, more features can be added. One advantage is creating a snapshot of
the VHD, a snapshot allows the HD to be reverted back to the state it was in when
the snapshot was created. Another advantage of a VHD is that it is easy to move
backup and restore because they are file based. If you needed to move the VHD to
another computer/server, all you would do is move the VHD file and its configuration
file to the other computer, import the configuration file and start the VM. One
downside to VHD is that it's limited to 2Tb, so even if the host machines physical
HD was larger, you are still limited in storage space for your VHD.
Performance(speed) is another advantage that physical hard disks have over virtual
hard disks. A Virtual Hard Disk allows multiple operating systems to reside on a
single host machine. This method enables developers to test software on different
operating systems without the cost or hassle of installing a second hard disk or
partitioning a single hard disk into multiple volumes. Virtual Hard Disks are faster
than optical disks. Transfer ability is one key element when working with Virtual
Hard Drives. Another great advantage of using the Virtual Hard Drive is the size of
there files ability. Virtual disk can range anywhere from 7GB to 950GB. For security
reasons i can see Virtual hard disk being infiltrated easier. Puting a lock on it can
help. Even if the Virtual memory gets hacked from recognized key strokes, the Hard
drive will not be compromised. Physical storage includes devices like external hard
drives, SD cards, and flash drives. The risk of data breaches, divulging company
information, and ultimately having slow times for file download means there will
always be a need for physical storage. Virtual memory has the ability to move files
between VHD and the host file system. Back up and recovery, Antivirus and recovery,
, among other things. It seems to be that one of the major advantages to using a
virtual hard disk is it's portability because it is stored as files on the host computer,
or a remote computer, that can easily be moved from computer to computer, even if
they have different operating systems, or to a different location on the same computer.
You should be sure to backup any files in the virtual machines directory before
starting a process like this. Another advantage to using a virtual hard disk would be
the actual file sizes are smaller which results less usage of storage space, as well was
more efficiency and speed when moving files. You can also limit the size of files
saved, which can be used when you plan on moving files to a limited storage space,
and you can also allocate the whole virtual hard disk when you create the disk to
speed up performance sensitive applications. The advantages to using a physical hard
drive over a virtual hard drive would be slight improvements to performance and
speed, although the research I found over the internet was that the slight
improvements in performance was not worth the risk of data corruption.
