What is a pre-configured VM image available for general use referred to as?

A pre-configured VM image that is available for general use is referred to as a public image. Public images are typically created and shared by cloud service providers, enabling users to quickly deploy virtual machines without needing to perform extensive customization or configuration. These images often come installed with operating systems and commonly used applications, making them readily available for various purposes, including development and testing.

Public images streamline the process of setting up virtual environments, allowing users to efficiently utilize cloud services and resources. This concept is crucial for users looking to accelerate their projects or testing scenarios in cloud computing environments, as they can leverage these images without starting from scratch.

In contrast, a base image is a more generalized term that might not specifically imply availability for public use, while custom and private images refer to configurations tailored to specific organizational needs and not generally available to the broader public.