What is a common feature of virtual machines in cloud computing?

The characteristic of snapshot capabilities is central to the functionality of virtual machines in cloud computing. Snapshots allow users to capture the current state of a virtual machine at a specific point in time. This feature is critical for disaster recovery, experimentation, and maintenance, as it enables users to revert to a previous state if necessary. For instance, if an application fails after a change, users can quickly restore the virtual machine to its last working state, minimizing downtime and data loss.

In the context of cloud computing, where resources are often dynamic and scalability is paramount, being able to take snapshots provides significant flexibility. This capability enhances the usability of virtual machines by allowing for safe updates and testing of configurations.

The other answer options, although relevant to various computing environments, do not accurately reflect a common and distinctive feature associated with virtual machines in cloud computing. For example, fixed resource allocation refers to a more traditional computing model where resources are not flexible or scalable on demand, which contrasts with the essence of cloud computing's adaptability. Similarly, dedicated physical hardware and local storage requirements are not typical characteristics of virtual machines, which are designed to leverage shared infrastructure and often utilize remote storage solutions in cloud environments.