What does a virtual machine (VM) allow users to do?

A virtual machine (VM) allows users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine. This capability is particularly valuable in various situations, such as software testing, development, and running applications that require different operating environments without needing separate hardware for each one.

Each VM functions as an independent computer, allowing users to install different operating systems—like Windows, Linux, or macOS—on the same host system. This flexibility not only optimizes resource utilization but also enables developers and IT professionals to create isolated environments for specific tasks, making it easier to perform tasks like testing software in different OS environments without risking the primary system's stability.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the capabilities of a virtual machine. For instance, a VM is not limited to running only one operating system at a time, nor does it only access physical resources with limited functionality, as it is designed to effectively utilize and manage hardware resources. Additionally, while a VM can reduce the reliance on physical drives, it does not entirely eliminate the need for them, since the host machine still requires physical storage to store the hypervisor software and virtual machines themselves.