220-1101 Virtualization and Cloud Computing Practice Question
A software developer needs a disposable environment to test an application on Windows, Linux, and macOS without buying three computers. The developer wants to run each operating system in its own isolated instance on a single laptop and discard the instance afterward. Which solution best meets the requirement?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is treating a Type 1 hypervisor as the default choice for any virtualization need, when the bare-metal design makes it unsuitable for a laptop that must keep its existing desktop operating system.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a Type 2 hypervisor to create virtual machines on the laptop
The developer needs multiple isolated operating systems running simultaneously on one laptop and the ability to discard them easily. A Type 2 hypervisor runs as an application on the existing operating system and supports snapshots, clones, and disposable guests, which fits this workflow. Type 1 hypervisors target bare-metal servers, dual-boot runs only one operating system at a time, and DaaS adds cost and network dependence without the local disposable workflow.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Subscribe to a Desktop as a Service provider for each operating system
Why it's wrong here
DaaS delivers hosted virtual desktops over the network, which introduces recurring cost and dependence on internet connectivity. It is aimed at delivering a standard corporate desktop at scale rather than giving a developer fast, local, disposable test environments. It also does not provide the same instant clone-and-discard workflow as a local hypervisor.
- ✗
Install a Type 1 hypervisor directly on the laptop hardware
Why it's wrong here
A Type 1 hypervisor is designed to run directly on server-class hardware as the primary operating system, which is impractical on a general-purpose laptop that also needs a normal desktop. It would replace the existing host operating system and add significant complexity, so it does not fit a developer wanting convenient disposable test environments alongside daily work.
- ✓
Use a Type 2 hypervisor to create virtual machines on the laptop
Why this is correct
A Type 2 hypervisor installs as an application on the existing operating system and can host Windows, Linux, and macOS guests on one laptop. Snapshots and clones make environments disposable, and hardware virtualization extensions provide adequate performance for testing. This directly matches the need for isolated, discardable instances on a single general-purpose machine.
- ✗
Configure a dual-boot setup with each operating system on a separate partition
Why it's wrong here
Dual-boot allows only one operating system to run at a time and requires rebooting to switch. It is not isolated in the way virtual machines are, and it cannot provide disposable instances that are discarded and recreated quickly. The developer would also risk the boot configuration during repeated changes, so this does not meet the requirement.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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