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definition

English

short:

Linux-VServer is for running multiple instances of GNU/Linux on a single machine. The instances are strictly separated form each other by a technique called security contexts. All of them use the same kernel, which makes that virtualisation technique very efficient. The field of application ranges from running single processes in an own context for security reasons to complete virtual private server environments. The contexts themselves are robust enough to boot many Linux distributions unmodified, including Debian and Fedora Core.

long:

Linux-VServer is for running multiple instances of GNU/Linux on a single machine. The instances are strictly separated form each other by a technique called security contexts, which offer a very fine granularity in assigning access rights and restrictions to the resources of the machine. It is possible to share CPU, RAM, Disk I/O, Diskspace and networking in a soft way as well as setting limits to particular contexts, even quotas are supported.

The contexts themselves are robust enough to boot many Linux distributions unmodified, including Debian and Fedora Core. Creating the contexts simply require a Linux-VServer patched kernel and a set of userspace tools. Creating a context is similar to creating a choot environment - but much more secure.

All instances use same kernel, which makes this virtualisation technique very efficient. The field of application ranges from running single processes in an own context for security reasons to complete virtual private server environments or even multi-headed desktop systems. Virtual private servers are commonly used in web hosting services, where they are useful for segregating customer accounts, pooling resources and containing any potential security breaches.

German