CompTIA PenTest+ Practice Test

What virtualization model is directly installed onto hardware without a host OS?

1. Type III hypervisor

2. Type II hypervisor

3. Type I hypervisor

4. Virtualization Layer

The correct answer is: Type I hypervisor

A Type I hypervisor is a virtualization model that is installed directly on the physical hardware, allowing it to manage guest operating systems without the need for a host operating system. This type of hypervisor provides better performance, as it has direct access to the underlying hardware resources, which enhances the efficiency and speed of virtual machines. It acts as a thin layer between the hardware and the virtual machines, allowing multiple operating systems to run concurrently while maintaining isolation and resource management. In contrast, other models such as Type II hypervisors operate on top of a host operating system. They rely on the host’s resources and process management, which can lead to lower performance compared to Type I hypervisors. The Virtualization Layer typically refers to the technology enabling virtualization but does not specifically denote a type of hypervisor in isolation.