Graphical desktop front ends for KVM and Qemu
Zoo Keeper
© Lead Image © Yang Chao, 123RF.com
If you want to care for a zoo full of exotic KVM guest systems on your desktop, you could use a little help from a graphical front end.
Virtual work environments exploit the power of modern multicore processors by efficiently virtualizing complete operating systems and their services. The kernel-integrated Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) [1] is a useful alternative to partly proprietary virtualization software from Oracle (VirtualBox [2]) or VMware (VMware Workstation [3]). The matching kernel module has been around since Linux 2.6.20, and Red Hat has managed it since 2008.
The advantage of KVM compared to the third-party solutions by Oracle and VMware is its high execution speed and resource-friendly work approach. One disadvantage is the somewhat complex configuration of these kernel-based virtual machines.
A number of graphical tools help reduce the administration costs for compute clusters and servers that manage multiple virtual guests. Examples include oVirt [4] and Proxmox VE [5]. A web interface, which requires some serious configuration work on the part of the admin, is often used as a GUI. But industrial-strength tools like oVirt and Proxmox VE are overkill for simple virtual desktop environments.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.