A virtual server is a software-based emulation of a physical server that runs on a host machine. It allows multiple virtual servers to operate on a single physical server, sharing its resources like CPU, memory, and storage. This technology is commonly used in data centers to optimize resource usage and reduce costs. Virtual servers are created using a process called virtualization, which is managed by software known as a hypervisor. This setup enables businesses to run different operating systems and applications on the same hardware, providing flexibility and scalability. Virtual servers are often used in cloud computing environments, such as those offered by Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure.