What is a key benefit of using virtual machines in computing?

Using virtual machines offers the significant advantage of enabling isolation of applications within different operating systems. This isolation allows various software programs to run independently from one another on the same physical hardware. For instance, a user can run a Windows operating system alongside a Linux operating system on the same machine without them interfering with each other. This capability is particularly useful for software development, testing applications across different platforms, and enhancing security by isolating potentially harmful applications. The use of virtual machines also facilitates resource allocation, system management, and improves migration and deployment flexibility in a computing environment.

Other choices do not provide the same level of benefit. While one choice mentions a single operating system environment, this contradicts the fundamental purpose of virtual machines. The option that addresses backup of physical hardware relates more to data integrity but does not capture the orchestration and operational advantages provided by multiple operating environments. Lastly, the mention of enhancing physical memory does not align with virtual machines, as their primary function is not to increase physical resources but to optimize the use of existing resources through virtualization.