Methods and Tools for VM Cloning and Copying

Question:

Describe the various methods and tools used for VM cloning and copying. Include an overview of snapshotting, full cloning, linked cloning, and popular tools such as VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper$-$V$,$ and open$-$source solutions like KVM$.$

Answer must includes:

$1.$Cloning Methods:

$($i$)$Snapshotting: Capturing the state of a VM at a specific point in time.

$($ii$)$Full Cloning: Creating an independent and identical copy of a VM$.$

$($iii$)$Linked Cloning: Creating a copy that relies on the original VM$\text{'}$s disk, saving space.

$2.$Popular Tools:

$($i$)$VMware vSphere: Provides comprehensive VM management and cloning capabilities.

$($ii$)$Microsoft Hyper$-$V: Offers robust VM cloning and snapshot features.

$($iii$)$KVM $($Kernel$-$based Virtual Machine$)$: An open$-$source virtualization tool for Linux.

$3.$Steps for Cloning and Copying:

$($i$)$Using the built$-$in tools to create snapshots and clones.

$($ii$)$Managing cloned VMs and ensuring they are correctly configured and networked.

$4.$Best Practices:

$($i$)$Regularly update and maintain VMs and hypervisors.

$($ii$)$Ensure sufficient storage and resources for clones.