Emulation Vs. Simulation

There is a vast number of computer systems in use today. From the computer on our desktops and the phones in our pockets, to the electronic brains within our cars, ATMs, airplanes, the number of different architectures is constantly growing. These systems require programming and training, which involves the use of either a simulator or an emulator. Though similar in their use, simulators and emulators are two different styles of providing an imitation of another system.

Purpose of Simulation and Emulation

• Simulators and emulators share a common purpose: the imitation of one complicated system with another complicated system. There are a variety of needs for these systems. For example, a programmer needs to create the software for a variety of devices on a desktop computer, and uses emulators and simulators to mimic the device before installing the new software. Another example is the use of simulators for training purposes, especially when the activity is dangerous to do untrained. Even modern gaming consoles will use emulators to allow gamers to play games from older systems on newer devices.

Definition of a Simulator

• A simulator is a software or hardware system that mimics another complicated system, with a varying level of reality. A lot of simulators are software-based. A large subset of video games are simulations, such as city simulators, war simulators and flight simulators. While video game simulators are not very realistic, highly realistic simulators like airline training simulators not only include ultra-realistic physics and details in the software, they also usually include hardware with realistic controls and feedback.

Definition of an Emulator

• Emulators are limited to imitating computer hardware systems. In short, emulators are computer system simulators. For example, there are emulators for just about every kind of phone that runs on desktop computers. These emulators allow programmers to write software for the emulated system without needing the hardware in hand. This saves time and money in development. Other uses include legacy support. Modern video game consoles use emulators to mimic the hardware of their previous incarnations. As computers evolve, emulation is required to run software that was written for older systems.

Other Uses for Simulators

• Simulators have a myriad of uses. Public organizations use simulations to model the growth and spread of disease in various settings and the effects of disasters, such as flooding and tornados. Scientists use simulations to model physical systems to the point that computational science is a growing field with its own journals. Manufacturers use simulations to model and design products before money is spent making them. Artificial intelligences use simulation to learn and build their database of knowledge. Simulation and emulation has proven itself an important tool in this modern age.

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  Emulation

  • Emulation is making one computer act like a different computer. One of the most popular applications of emulation technology is using an emulator program to run gaming software from outdated computers, like the Commodore 64, on new PCs. Gaming emulators can also make PCs run games from older consoles like Nintendo or Sega Genesis. Another practical application of emulation software is to emulate the OS, or operating system, of a different computer. An emulator can be used this way to make Mac software run on a PC or vice-versa.

    Legality

    • Emulators that allow computers to run software from other types of computers, or even gaming consoles are perfectly legal. Many emulators are freeware and open source, meaning anyone can download them and anyone has access to the actual programming code. But many of the games that can be played through emulators are illegal. The read only memory games, or ROMs, are usually copies of copyrighted software. Those are illegal to distribute or download.

    Other Devices

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      Emulators aren't only made for computers. Emulators are available for iPods, iPhones, Blackberries, Google's Android and other "smart" devices. Most of these emulators are designed primarily for game play. Some of them are fully and legally licensed and some are more homemade versions available for free.

    Simulation

    • Simulation is also a from of mimicry, but it is different than emulation. A simulation is a computer recreation of a particular scenario. Simulations are designed to act like an authentic system or situation. Simulations are popular in the gaming world, one of the first being Microsoft's Flight Simulator. Many other games allow users to recreate theme parks, restaurants or historical battles. The Sims series is just a simulation of everyday life.

    Other Uses

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      Simulations are valuable scientific tools. They are common in physics, biology, chemistry and engineering. They can allow scientists to study virtual scenarios that may be impossible to actually create. Simulations are also used in economics, mathematics, sociology and other fields. Simulators are also an integral part of flight training programs for pilots. Microsoft's Flight Simulator is just a game, but real flight simulators create a realistic, but perfectly safe experience for pilots in training.

      
      

      source: www.ehow.com