Final answer:
Virtualization is the process where a single physical computer runs multiple virtual machines, each with its own virtual resources. It differs from containerization, emulation, and partitioning, which have distinct functions and use cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process by which one physical computer hosts many different virtual computers within it is called virtualization. This technology allows a single physical server to run multiple isolated operating system instances, known as virtual machines (VMs), simultaneously. Each VM operates as if it were a separate computer, with its own virtual CPU, memory, storage, and networking resources, while the underlying physical resources are abstracted and shared across the VMs.
While containerization also involves isolating applications, it is more lightweight and shares the host's operating system kernel instead of virtualizing hardware. Emulation refers to the ability of a system to imitate another one, often allowing software from one platform to run on a completely different platform. Finally, partitioning involves dividing a computer's resources, such as memory or storage, into separate sections, but does not involve creating multiple virtual machines.