What is a key characteristic of a Type 2 hypervisor?

A key characteristic of a Type 2 hypervisor is that it operates on top of an existing operating system. This means that the hypervisor relies on the underlying OS to manage hardware resources. Consequently, it does not have direct access to the hardware, as it communicates through the host OS. This design allows for easier installation and management, as users can leverage the existing infrastructure of the host operating system for features such as networking and storage.

In contrast, other types of hypervisors, like Type 1 hypervisors, run directly on the host hardware without an intermediary OS, which grants them direct access to the hardware resources. This setup often leads to better performance and efficiency but requires a more complex installation process. The Type 2 hypervisor's reliance on the host OS introduces some performance overhead and may limit functionality in certain scenarios, but it offers greater flexibility and ease of use for many users.