Hardware Virtualization Lenovo IdeaPad 700 Laptop

Introduction

One major aspect of technology is the ability to run multiple programs on a single machine. This phenomenon is referred to as hardware virtualization and is getting more popular with each passing day. A good example would be a user multi-tasking by running several programs, or a developer needing a specific environment for their testing. This is why it is important for someone using a Lenovo IdeaPad 700 laptop to understand how hardware virtualization works. It allows for efficient use of resources and can lengthen the life of your laptop. In this guide, we will provide a more detailed explanation of hardware virtualization, its application, and how to enable it in your BIOS.

Understanding Hardware Virtualization

As mentioned earlier, hardware virtualization is the capability to use one physical piece of a computer as multiple independent virtual machines (VMs). The machines are able to capture all the components of a laptop such as an OS, applications, and resources. This is all made possible with the help of a hypervisor. The hypervisor serves as a mediator, for instance, between the physical components and the virtual machines, allowing for smoother interaction. As a result, the hypervisor grants access to certain machines, memory blocks, and storage files as required by the virtual machines.

There are two main types of virtualization:

• Software Virtualization: Emulating the work environment for the virtual machines can solely depend on the software. Even though it is easy to implement, it is more simplistic, making it less efficient and negatively impacting the performance.
• Hardware Virtualization: This works by using certain embedded functionalities of the CPU to allow direct access to the hardware components from the Virtual Machines. This results in better performance and productivity. This is what we will discuss in this guide.

Having Hardware Virtualization Done on Your Lenovo IdeaPad 700 Can Be Helpful in Many Ways

Activating the hardware virtualization setting on your Lenovo IdeaPad 700 can be extremely helpful in many ways.

• Use Different Operating Systems at Once: We can easily switch between Windows, Linux or even macOS without any additional hardware. This is best suited for developers, testers, and other professionals that need to work on multiple platforms.
• Better Asset Usage: Multiple physical servers or even workstations can be consolidated into a single machine which decreases the hardware expenses as well as energy usage. Even a casual personal laptop would be able to comfortably manage resources dedicated for different tasks.
• Greater Protection: Applications and data can be kept separate in different Virtual machines, thus ensuring that malware and other forms of security issues do not affect the entire system.
• Easier Development and Quality Assurance: Software applications can be tested in separate environments to fix issues, all without affecting the main part of the system.
• Might Come in Handy During Disaster Recovery: Entire Virtual machines can be backed up and restored easily, providing assurance in case of hardware failures or other disasters.
• Cloud Computing: The virtualization of hardware functions is one of the building blocks of cloud computing, allowing service providers to meet scalability requirements while increasing profit margins.

How To Check If Lenovo IdeaPad 700 Hardware Virtualization Is Supported

Verifying Hardware Virtualization Support: The first thing you need to do is check that the model of the Lenovo IdeaPad 700 you have comes with a virtualization capable CPU. Modern CPUs usually have this feature, but let us be careful. So here’s how to do it:

1. Identifying Your CPU: The simplest method is searching under Windows for System Information and looking around for the entry called Processor. Look for CPU models, like Intel Core i5-xxxx, or AMD A10-xxxx. Write this down somewhere. 
2. Check The Manufacturer Website: If you have an Intel processor, go to their website or If you have an AMD processor, go to their website. After that, you will have to locate the specific CPU model. Then search for features like Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x) or AMD-V. If these features pop up, then your CPU can support hardware virtualization. 
3. Use Utility: Intel has a tool called Processor Identification Utility that is meant to do this. AMD has similar utility tools as well.

Turning on Hardware Virtualization in the BIOS

Once you have established that your hardware actually has a functioning virtual core, you can proceed to activating it in BIOS. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Enter the BIOS: Go to the Lenovo IdeaPad 700 and Restart it. As it is restarting, continuously keep pressing a certain button which allows you to access the BIOS setup. Depending on the model, the default button is usually F2 or F12. Del could also enable it. Note that the correct button is likely to show on the boot screen so pay close attention. 
2. Look for Virtualization Settings: Depending on the BIOS version and manufacturer, the location of the Virtualization settings can differ. You should check in “Advanced,” “CPU Configuration,” “Chipset,” “Security” or other sections. 
3. Enabling Virtualization: Look for the Intel Virtualization Technology option VT-x or AMD-V. Change the selected option from disabled to enabled. This should be found in the right category. 
4. Exit and Save: Make sure you save the newly made changes in the BIOS settings before exiting and your laptop should restart.

Applications That Utilize Hardware Virtualization

Now that enabling hardware virtualization is set up in the BIOS, feel free to use the software including:

• Oracle VirtualBox: A free and open source Oracle VirtualBox.

• VMware Workstation Player: This is another type of free virtualization software, but only if it is for personal purposes.
• Super Microsoft Hyper-V: Comes as a built in application with Windows Pro and Enterprise versions.

These platforms let you manage and create virtual machines, install their desired operating systems, and run apps on them.

Potential Problems Or Issues

• Bios does not have virtualization settings: Make sure you check the right parts of the BIOS. Their Lenovo IdeaPad 700 user manual should guide you. If the setting is really not there, your BIOS may not have supported this setting, and you would need to upgrade it. This should be done very carefully. 
• Software is still indicating virtualization is off: Check that you really saved changes onto the BIOS, and that you have restarted your laptop. Ensure that no other software is blocking virtualization.

Conclusion

The productivity gains that can be achieved through technology enabled “Hardware Virtualization“ are remarkable. Following this guide should enable hardware virtualization on your Lenovo IdeaPad 700. Whether you’re a developer, a student, or an enthusiastic virtual reality gamer. Remember to check user manuals for the laptop and documentation on the virtualization software for instructions and solutions to problems that may arise.