Which of the following descriptions about KVM is correct? (Multiple choice)

Question

Options

• AKWM is an open source virtualization technology
• BKWM belongs to type II virtualization
• CKWM belongs to type I virtualization
• DKWM is a module in the Linux kernel

• A
  70% (16)
• C
  30% (7)

Explanation

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is indeed open source (A) - it's licensed under the GPL and ships with the Linux kernel. It is a loadable module within the Linux kernel (D), meaning it converts Linux itself into a hypervisor without requiring a separate hypervisor layer. Because KVM relies on an existing host OS (Linux) to run, it is classified as Type II (hosted) virtualization (B), where the hypervisor runs on top of a conventional operating system rather than directly on hardware.

Why C is wrong: Type I (bare-metal) hypervisors run directly on hardware with no underlying OS - examples include VMware ESXi or Xen without a host OS. KVM depends on Linux being present, so it does not fit this category per most exam frameworks.

Memory tip: Think of KVM as "Kernel Virtualization Module" - it lives inside Linux (kernel module = D), runs on top of Linux (hosted = Type II = B), and was contributed to the open source community (open source = A). The phrase "lives inside, runs on top" captures both D and B at once.

Note: In practice, KVM is sometimes debated as Type I because Linux+KVM together act as the hypervisor - but for exam purposes, stick with Type II as the official classification.

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