Last Updated : 22 Jul, 2024
Virtualization allows one computer to function as multiple computers by sharing its resources across different environments. CPU virtualization includes full virtualization and paravirtualization. In full virtualization, the original operating system runs without knowing it’s virtualized, using translation to handle system calls. Paravirtualization modifies the OS to use hypercalls instead of certain instructions, making the process more efficient but requiring changes before compiling.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Full Virtualization and Paravirtualization in operating systems. But first, let’s understand what each of these terms means.
What is Full Virtualization?
Full Virtualization was introduced by IBM in 1966. It is the first software solution for server virtualization and uses binary translation and direct approach techniques. In full virtualization, the virtual machine completely isolates the guest OS from the virtualization layer and hardware. Microsoft and Parallels systems are examples of full virtualization. 
What is Paravirtualization?
Paravirtualization is the category of CPU virtualization which uses hypercalls for operations to handle instructions at compile time. In paravirtualization, guest OS is not completely isolated but it is partially isolated by the virtual machine from the virtualization layer and hardware. VMware and Xen are some examples of paravirtualization. 
Difference Between Full Virtualization and Paravirtualization
The difference between Full Virtualization and Paravirtualization are as follows:
| S.No. | Full Virtualization | Paravirtualization |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | In Full virtualization, virtual machines permit the execution of the instructions with the running of unmodified OS in an entirely isolated way. | In paravirtualization, a virtual machine does not implement full isolation of OS but rather provides a different API which is utilized when OS is subjected to alteration. |
| 2. | Full Virtualization is less secure. | While the Paravirtualization is more secure than the Full Virtualization. |
| 3. | Full Virtualization uses binary translation and a direct approach as a technique for operations. | While Paravirtualization uses hypercalls at compile time for operations. |
| 4. | Full Virtualization is slow than paravirtualization in operation. | Paravirtualization is faster in operation as compared to full virtualization. |
| 5. | Full Virtualization is more portable and compatible. | Paravirtualization is less portable and compatible. |
| 6. | Examples of full virtualization are Microsoft and Parallels systems. | Examples of paravirtualization are Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix Xen, etc. |
| 7. | It supports all guest operating systems without modification. | The guest operating system has to be modified and only a few operating systems support it. |
| 8. | The guest operating system will issue hardware calls. | Using the drivers, the guest operating system will directly communicate with the hypervisor. |
| 9. | It is less streamlined compared to para-virtualization. | It is more streamlined. |
| 10. | It provides the best isolation. | It provides less isolation compared to full virtualization. |
Conclusion
There are two types of virtualization methods: full and paravirtualization. Full virtualization isolates the unmodified operating system completely. In contrast, paravirtualization modifies the Operating System to work with specific APIs without complete isolation.
Difference Between Full Virtualization and Paravirtualization – FAQs
What is the difference between paravirtualization and full virtualization?
Full virtualization is highly portable and adaptable, supporting all guest operating systems without modification. In contrast, paravirtualization is less portable and compatible because it requires guest operating systems to be modified, which only a few operating systems support.
What is the difference between partial virtualization and para virtualization?
Partial virtualization lets a guest OS run on a host OS with minor modifications, while paravirtualization requires significant modifications to the guest OS to run on the host OS.
Is VMware full virtualization or paravirtualization?
VMware’s products and Microsoft Virtual Server are examples offull virtualization.
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