Host-based virtual machine A host-based virtual machine is an instance of a desktop operating system that runs on a centralized server. Access and control is provided to the user by a client device connected over a network. Multiple host-based virtual machines can run on a single server. With a host-based virtual machine, data is contained on the server, server resources can be allocated to users as needed, users can work from a variety of clients in different locations, and all of the v...