What is a significant characteristic of virtual machines?

Virtual machines (VMs) are a technology that allows one physical computer to run multiple operating systems simultaneously and independently. A significant characteristic of VMs is their ability to enable on-demand creation of virtual computers. This means that organizations or users can quickly and easily set up new instances of operating systems or applications without the need for additional physical hardware.

The flexibility offered by virtual machines allows for efficient resource utilization, as multiple VMs can reside on a single physical server, sharing its resources such as CPU, RAM, and storage. This on-demand nature supports various scenarios, including testing, development, and production environments, adapting to the needs of users or businesses in a cost-effective and scalable manner.

In this context, while the other choices present limitations or misinterpretations of virtual machines—such as the incorrect notion of being restricted to one operating system or only local resources—they don't capture the essence of the versatility and efficiency that true virtual machines provide.